Keith Batstone, Cardiff

I was converted aged 16, or rather, it was more of a coming to the Lord Whose life, death and resurrection I had always accepted, in order to be saved. I had experienced much conviction of sin during the years 12-16.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord Forever. Psalm 23:6

The promise of this verse has always been important since I had known such conviction and awareness of Hell. The certainty of this verse is important, as has been gratitude for His goodness and mercy to me in every sense – my lines have fallen in pleasant places. Also, the concept of the word ‘follow’ is of an active pursuit of the believer by these two blessings of goodness and mercy. It was also the verse Mr Higham gave us at our wedding – truly prophetic.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1

Do we not love the fact that it was God incarnate Who came to save us? No-one less could or would have saved, and no-one less did! The whole passage of John 1:1-18 is a thrilling declaration of Christ’s deity, glory and work, which makes our salvation so absolute and complete.

Yet indeed I also count all things loss…that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. Philippians 3:8-9

The doctrine of the imputed righteousness of Christ was explained by Rev. Graham Harrison at a Saturday morning Bible school at Heath in the mid-late 60’s. It opened up to me the vista of our standing before God, and that it never changes.

But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel. Philippians 1:12

This verse came very powerfully to me during one quiet time. I asked the Lord why, and wondered if something untoward was going to happen. Shortly after, out of the blue and good health, I had a heart attack. In the midst of my great pain, Kate was able to read that passage (v9-18) and we were at peace then, and during the process which followed. The verse is a reminder that God is in all our circumstances.

Who would you like to find on the island for company?

My companion will be Athanasius. My reasons are ^1. He stood for that most vital, precious and glorious doctrine of the Deity of Christ and therefore the joined doctrine of the Trinity. ^2. He stood alone – don’t we love that phrase, ‘Athanasius contra mundum’ (Athanasius against the world) and he suffered for it. I am grateful for the doctrine he upheld, and for his willingness to suffer for it many times. Standing is more difficult when the opposition is from within the Church, but he had clarity of understanding what was right, and that this had to be fought for (Jude 3). He was also a small man and that enhances him no end in my eyes.

Which song would you take to the island?

I think my song/hymn will be Hilary Disney’s “The righteousness I wear”. It has a lovely overview of the practicalities of our salvation – its cost, outcome, certainty and triumph, and is a reminder of what is, probably, my favourite doctrine.

The robe of righteousness I wear
Was bought, dear Lord, by Thee.
Thy suffering, broken body hung
In shame on Calv’ry’s tree.
By hands of sinners such as I
Thy precious blood was shed,
That men might know Thy pow’r o’er sin,
Thou quick’ner of the dead.

I did not willingly take part
In this Thine agony.
I was not there, I did not raise
An angry fist t’wards Thee;
But sin has joined my guilty hands
With those who nailed Thee there.
An enemy of Christ my God,
In all their guilt I share.

Thine ‘It is finished’ was a cry
Of vict’ry, not defeat,
Thy cleansing blood doth now all
Satan’s accusations meet.
He can no longer claim dominion
O’er my life and soul,
For by Thy grace and mercy Thou
Hast made this sinner whole.

How can I tell the beauty of
A life that’s clean, forgiv’n?
Its glories I’ll not fully know
Until I reach Thy Heav’n.
What bliss to know my precious Lord,
Within Thy sight to dwell,
Washed clean and saved from death, its sting
The grave and pow’rs of Hell.

How can I pay Thee what I owe?
A debt too great to count.
But Thou dost not require of me
One fraction of th’amount.
‘Tis grace alone enables me
To stand before Thy throne,
This robe of righteousness is mine
By grace and grace alone.