The Theology of Worship Music – Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) by Chris Tomlin, John Newton, and Louie Giglio

The Theology of Worship Music – Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)

by Chris Tomlin, John Newton, Louie Giglio

This worship song is based on one of the most beloved hymns of all time. John Newton, who wrote this great hymn, Amazing Grace, was a former captain of a slave ship. After he became a Believer he penned these words to which almost everyone can relate. It is believed the melody used in the original hymn came from songs sung by the slaves as they travelled the seas.

Chris Tomlin took some of the lyrics of John Newton, then added some from Louie Giglio, and also his own, to come up with this song, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone). It introduced the original hymn to a new generation of worshippers and added a new sound for more seasoned worshippers.

Here’s a copy of the original lyrics written by John Newton.

     Amazing Grace (original version)

     Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)

     That saved a wretch like me!

     I once was lost, but now am found,

     Was blind, but now I see.

     'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

     And grace my fears relieved;

     How precious did that grace appear

     The hour I first believed!

     Through many dangers, toils, and snares,

     I have already come;

     'Tis grace that brought me safe thus far,

     And grace will lead me home.

     The Lord has promised good to me,

     His word my hope secures;

     He will my shield and portion be

     As long as life endures.

     Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

     And mortal life shall cease,

     I shall possess, within the veil,

     A life of joy and peace.

     The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

     The sun forbear to shine;

     But God, who called me here below,

     Will be for ever mine.

     (1779)

As you can see, Chris Tomlin took verses one, two, four, and six, then added a chorus (or refrain), proclaiming, “My chains are gone!” It’s very easy to imagine John Newton expressing these same words when he became a Believer after seeing all the physical suffering endured by the slaves. Once saved, his spirit began to sing out of the freedom that he experienced in Christ.

This rewrite came in 2006 and it still sits at #12 on CCLI’s Top 25 Worship Songs. The reason is the timeless message and singability. The contrast used throughout the song gives a vivid backdrop for each thought to be portrayed.

            Sweet grace                                             >          wretched sinner

            Lost                                                          >          found

            Blind                                                         >          see

            Heart fear (reverence toward God)          >          fear (of sin) relieved

            Chains                                                      >          set free

The content of this song can clearly be traced back to scripture. There are so many references I didn’t take time to list them. Here are the basic tenets of our faith referenced in the rewrite.

            Verse 1 – redemption through the blood of Jesus

            Verse 2 – the presence of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Believer

            Verse 3 – blessings that flow to the Believer when living a life of faith

            Verse 4 – the Blessed Hope of the Church – eternally in God’s presence

Interposed between the verses, Tomlin adds the refrain to remind us in each step of our journey in Christ that we have been set free from every weight and sin that would attempt to keep us from experiencing God’s best for us.

Sing, Church! The Lord’s grace is amazing!

The Theology of Worship Music – In Christ Alone by Keith Getty and Stewart Townend

The Theology of Worship Music – In Christ Alone

by Keith Getty and Stewart Townend

In Christ Alone was written in 2001 and immediately became a staple among worshippers. It’s clear gospel message struck a chord with both traditional and contemporary worship styles.

Keith Getty and Stuart Townend began years ago to write new hymns for the church that would contain sound theology along with inviting and singable melodies. If you have never taken a close look at their work I highly recommend it to you.

In Christ Alone tells the story of the life of Christ. The first verse describes Christ as Messiah. We find hope and strength in The Rock, the Chief Cornerstore.

Isaiah 28:16 (ESV) herefore thus says the Lord GOD, “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion, a stone, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation: ‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’

Ephesians 2:20 (ESV) built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone,

Hebrews 4:15 (ESV) For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.

Moving from the image of an unmovable stone, Christ is then portrayed as love, peace, and comforter. He certainly is all of that.

Verse two then uses the text in John 1 to tell of how The Word became flesh in the form of a baby, then moves immediately to the reason He came – to die as the sacrifice for man.

John 1:1-5 (ESV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

John 1:29 (ESV) The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

I love the way they use contrast to show the diversity of Christ. It is impossible to truly capture the nature of Christ because of the many facets to His character and nature. But by looking at the extremes, you get a good idea of just how many ways that Christ can impact a life.

Verse three moves to the somber feel of the days between the crucifixion and resurrection, then quickly moves to the celebratory declaration of new life through Christ. We are no longer bound by the sin nature because of the blood of Christ.

The final verse describes the life of the Believer: no fear in death, the power of Christ in man (the Holy Spirit).

The next couple of statements speak to the theology of the writers that may not be shared by all. The idea of predestination is interpreted very differently. The main two camps of thought are those of the Calvinists and Armenians. Calvinists believe God is in complete control and nothing happens without His approval. Armenians believe that man has a freewill and can affect the outcome of circumstances. Those who teach pure predestination believe that salvation is determined before a person is even born. They will either be saved or lost based on the path that was laid out for them before ever breathing their first breath.

I don’t know the theology of these writers. I still sing the song because it speaks to the idea that “Jesus commands by destiny.” That is true. Because of Jesus, there is a destiny in God that has been made available through His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and seating at the right hand of the Father.

The next phrase is also a subject of great theological controversy. “No power of hell nor scheme of man can ever pluck me from His hand.” Some call this eternal security, meaning that once you are saved you can never lose your salvation. Again, I have no problem with this lyric. I do not believe that any attempt of satan, or any scheme of other men, can rob you of the redemption provided by Christ.

John 10:28 (ESV) I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

There are others that feel man can become “lost” after being saved by either committing flagrant sin, knowing their actions violate the commands of God, or by renouncing their love for God, also known as grieving the Holy Spirit. I’ll leave that for other pundits. I would like to hear your comments.

The final phrase is what is known as The Blessed Hope of the Church: the promise of Heaven. It gives the Believer resolve to live a life that honors the commitment made to our God.

I love this song. It is so full of truth, and does not depend on repetitive lyric to get the worshipper focused on the reason we gather as Christians.

The Theology of Worship Music – Mighty to Save by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan

The Theology of Worship Music – Mighty to Save

by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan

Here’s another Reuben Morgan song. I really like this guy. He is definitely one of the best Hillsong writers. This is another song that doesn’t draw on one particular passage of scripture for its lyrics, but every line in it is a description of some aspect of the work of Jesus in the life of the Believer.

Verse one gives a simple explanation as to what draws a person to Christ. When words like compassion, unfailing love, mercy, forgiveness, kindness, and hope describe someone, it becomes very easy to give them your heart. That is exactly who Jesus is: Savior. He is Mighty To Save.

The chorus follows with some of the things that qualify Jesus to be our Savior. He can move mountains.

Matthew 21:21 (KJV) Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.

He is the author and finisher of our faith.

Hebrews 12:2 (KJV) Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Jesus died, and was raised from the dead. The tomb is empty!

Romans 14:9 (KJV) For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

The second verse leads the worshipper in a prayer of consecration to the Lord. It contains images that remind me of two classic hymns from my youth, Just As I Am and I Surrender All. “Take me as You find me.” Confession of “fears and failures”, the need for being filled, and yielding our life are all part of the Believer’s response to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The bridge of the song reinforces the desire of the worshipper: Don’t look at me. I’m singing of One greater that myself. Let Him be glorified.

That really should be the desire of every Christian. I hope it is your desire. Sing on!

The Theology of Worship Music – Forever Reign by Jason Ingram and Reuben Morgan

The Theology of Worship Music – Forever Reign

by Jason Ingram and Reuben Morgan

Another perennial hit by Hillsong sits at #9 on the CCLI Top 25: Forever Reign. Reuben Morgan is one of my favorite songwriters. His lyric and melodies seem to blend so well. This song is no exception.

There is not a clear scriptural basis for the song. It is clearly a song written to give praise to Jesus. There is imagery used to illustrate the relationship of the Bridegroom (Jesus) and His Church; “running to Your arms” and “nothing compares to Your embrace.”

The first verse contains different descriptions of Jesus as “hope, good, light, and love.” Verse two uses “peace, true, joy, and life.” Each attribute mentioned is contrasted by something that particular aspect helps overcome in the life of the Believer. This same kind of device is found in great hymns like Amazing Grace. “Sweet and wretch, lost and found, blind and see.” The last verse rounds out the terms used to praise God with “more, Lord, here, and God.”

After expressing admiration for the Lord by listing His characteristics the chorus then describes the worshipper as giving in to the longing to be with the Bridegroom. “Oh, I’m running to Your arms.” There is no better place than to be in the arms of our Savior.

The bridge of this song is my favorite part. It simply repeats the confession of a resolute Believer: “My heart will sing no other name, Jesus.” Each time the dynamic of the music builds until finally the worshipper declares again, “I’m running to Your arms.”

There are many verses that could be used to describe the various names mentioned in this song; too many to list. The lyric doesn’t stretch one’s theological mind to understand it. It is really quite simple, but effective nonetheless.