Ben Petersen, London

It’s quite an honour to contribute to this series, having seen the warm commendations (twitter likes) and illustrious previous contributors (no joke, they really are!). It’s reassuring to know the editor isn’t simply after hits on his page; publishing my name wouldn’t achieve that! I’m grateful that the goal of this series is to put the word of the Lord front and center, not any particularly insightful men or women.

Which verses would you take to the desert island?

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptised into Christ Jesus were baptised into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. Romans 6:1-4

Though not instrumental in my being led to confess Christ as Lord, these verses - and the whole chapter - were the catalyst for my faith beginning to grow in earnest. The way they were brought to my attention is an example of God’s wonderful and comical providence. As a teenager I went through a phase of buying funny t-shirts and hoodies. One such garment was a white hoodie on which was printed a picture of Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones and the slogan “Martyn Lloyd-Jones is my homeboy”. For those uninitiated in the language of contemporary urban slang, “homeboy” is an affectionate term for a member of one’s posse, or crew. Growing up in and around Evangelical Movement of Wales circles and having a grandfather who sat under the doctor for a few years in London, I found this hilarious, and bought it immediately. But I felt strangely compelled to read some of the Doctor before I could wear it! I asked Bab (my aforementioned grandfather) to borrow a book of his, and was lent his volume on Romans 6.

As a 16 year old who had coasted along since professing faith 3 years earlier, not looking particularly different from my schoolmates, and certainly not grasping the greatness of grace I had my world turned upside down. These were unfamiliar depths for me. In chapter after chapter, the verses above were opened up and applied. Why should I not live as those who belong to the world? Because we have been united to Christ in his death; meaning the person I was before is dead, and instead I am raised with Christ to walk by his Spirit in newness of life. Wow.

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. Hebrews 1:1-3

It’s been a joy while studying at Oak Hill College to be reminded constantly that God is entirely distinct from his creation, and in no way depends on it (including us, his creatures) for life, or satisfaction, or joy; yet he chooses to make himself known in ways that are understandable. Without this we would have no way of knowing him or worshipping him. So these verses are a key reminder of how it is he has made himself known and will help me pray, praise and worship on the island.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. Galatians 5:16

Galatians is a joy, isn't it? A whole letter chastising a church for forgetting the Christ has set us free from the burden of the Law, by reminding them of the gospel! I can’t wait to explore it in depth in my Biblical Studies course later in the year. I'm always struck by how Paul roots growth in godliness in the Spirit’s leading, and our identity as those belonging to the New Creation. I always need reminding of that to keep me from sin and error.

The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. John 17:22-23

Because individual trust in Christ’s work is so essential to salvation, it’s easy to let our understanding of the Christian life stop there. Jesus’ words here give a window into his purpose in saving many; that we might be united in a way that reflects the Son’s unity with his Father. This changed how I think and it challenged me to prize and strive for Christian unity more. Quite how useful it will be on an island with but one other person I do not know…

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

The criteria includes that this person must have already died… Just in case any close friends feel slighted that I didn't choose them.

Assuming he had stationery, or a computer and a printer, I’d be delighted to find PG Wodehouse also marooned. I'm not too bothered whether we chat much or get on well at all. But being as I'm unable to take a whole Bible with me to read, I'd like to have a ready diet of the next best literature ever produced.

Which song would you take to the island?

Though a Paul Simon number would be tempting, it would be wise to have something better for the soul. As such, it'll be Before the Throne of God Above. Cos who doesn't need a reminder of where to look when tempted to despair, or a reminder that no matter where you end up geographically our hope is in heaven before God’s throne.

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong, a perfect plea,

A great High Priest, whose Name is Love,

Who ever lives and pleads for me.

My name is graven in His hands,

My name is written on His heart;

I know that, while in heaven He stands,

No tongue can bid me thence depart.

When Satan tempts me to despair,

And tells me of the guilt within,

Upward I look, and see Him there

Who made an end of all my sin.

Because the sinless Saviour died,

My sinful soul is counted free;

For God the Just is satisfied

To look on Him, and pardon me.

Behold Him there! The risen Lamb!

My perfect, spotless righteousness.

The great unchangeable I AM.

The King of glory and of grace!

One with Himself, I cannot die,

My soul is purchased by His blood;

My life is hid with Christ on high,

With Christ, my Saviour and my God.