Adrian Brake, Carmarthen

The apostle Paul says that 'the Holy Scriptures...are able to make [us] wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus', are 'given by inspiration of God', and are 'profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work' (2 Timothy 3:15-17). I have tasted and seen that this is so and am therefore pleased to have been granted the opportunity to speak of the Holy Scriptures in this blog.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

When we first come to know Christ we presume in our naivety that we will soon mortify the flesh completely but as time progresses we find that the Christian life is a continual battle with remaining sin, a battle in which we will suffer many setbacks but a battle from which we will rest in heaven. These verses are wonderfully comforting to the believer. Verse 8 reminds us that our continued sinfulness is not incompatible with the new birth and a sincere saving faith in Jesus. We should not therefore let our sins shake our assurance. And verse 9 assures us that we serve a pardoning God who has promised forgiveness to His people and provided forgiveness for His people. Because He is a faithful God, He will not break His promise and because He is a just God He will not punish us for those sins which He has already punished in Jesus. I would certainly need to be reminded of these facts whilst on the Desert Island! As John Newton said, "I am a great sinner, but Jesus is a great Saviour."

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

I keep turning to this verse to remind me of the astonishing love which God the Father has lavished upon me and all His children through the Lord Jesus Christ. In order to rescue me from hell, which is what I deserved, the Father credited my guilt to His dearly beloved Son and poured out His wrath upon Him accordingly. Amazing! And there's more! He then gave me as a free gift the perfect righteousness of the Son so that I, by grace, am no less righteous before God's holy law than the Righteous One Himself, “Amazing pity! Grace unknown! Love beyond degree!” This verse would certainly stir my heart to worship God whilst I was on the Desert Island.

My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27-28

Even on a beautiful, tranquil, Desert Island, I would be subject to the attacks of the evil one. He would still do everything within his power to destroy the work of grace which God has begun in my soul and a verse like this would remind me that Christ is not only my Redeemer but is also my Protector and will never allow me to be lost. On the Desert Island I would be almost completely alone but this verse would remind me that Christ is there holding me with His right hand and preserving me for the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. Matthew 25:20-21

It would be easy for me, once I set up home on the Desert Island, to rest on my laurels and live a pampered life. This verse, taken from the Parable of the Talents, would remind me that I have a Master to serve no matter where I may be; a gracious Master who has done great things for me, and a Master who rewards those who serve Him faithfully with joy that not even a Desert Island can provide!

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

This one is, for me, a no-brainer! It would have to be William Williams, Pantycelyn. He was a man consumed with love for the Lord Jesus Christ, he was filled with a Christ-like compassion for his fellow men, and he proved himself to be very adept at probing and interpreting his and others' spiritual experiences. It would be a privilege beyond words to spend time with him. He could also compose some hymns so that I wouldn't have just one to sing!

Which song would you take to the island?

In case I did not bump into Williams Pantycelyn on the Desert Island or he had lost his ability to compose hymns, I would make sure that I took the hymn printed below! It conveys in thrilling fashion the glory and splendour of the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ. What more could you want from a hymn?

Lamb of God, You now are seated

high upon Your Father's throne,

all Your gracious work completed,

all Your mighty victory won;

every knee in heaven is bending

to the Lamb for sinners slain;

every voice and harp is swelling -

worthy is the Lamb to reign!

Lord, in all Your power and glory,

still Your thoughts an eyes are here;

watching o'er Your ransomed people,

to Your gracious heart so dear;

You for them are interceding -

everlasting is Your live -

and a blessèd rest preparing

in our Father's house above.

Lamb of God, You soon in glory

will to this sad earth return;

all Your foes shall quake before You,

all that now despise You, mourn:

then Your saints shall rise to meet You,

with You in Your kingdom reign;

Yours the praise and Yours the glory,

Lamb of God for sinners slain.