The Theology of Worship Music – This Is Amazing Grace

The Theology of Worship Music – This Is Amazing Grace

By Jeremy Riddle, Josh Farro, Phil Wickham

The #2 song on the CCLI Top 25 is This Is Amazing Grace. There is an obvious reference to the storied hymn Amazing Grace in this title. Deservedly so.

This song is Christ-centered from beginning to end. It is extremely evident this song is directed toward our Lord. The last line of the chorus nails it, in case there was any doubt: “Jesus, I sing, for all that You've done for me!”

The phrase “The King of Glory” comes from Psalm 24. It is used five times in the short ten-verse Psalm of David. The first six verses contain a clear call to worship from David.

Psalm 24:1-6 (ESV) The earth is the LORD’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. Who shall ascend the hill of the LORD? And who shall stand in his holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to what is false and does not swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the LORD and righteousness from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek the face of the God of Jacob.

Selah

David gives a strong charge concerning approaching God in worship. Only those with “clean hands and a pure heart.” He gives great motivation for attaining to the status of a worshipper by stating, “He will receive blessing from the Lord.” He encourages us to “Selah”, or pause and think about that for a while.

Here’s the problem. Without the redemption provided by Jesus, and His bloodshed on the cross, we have no hope of “ascending the hill of the Lord.” That’s were the “amazing grace” comes into play.

David continues with his psalm:

Psalm 24:7-10 (ESV) Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle! Lift up your heads, O gates! And lift them up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory!

Selah

David knew that one was coming to redeem, not only Israel, but the whole human race from the grip of sin that kept them from true fellowship with their Creator. “Lift up your heads! The King of Glory is coming! He is strong. He is able. He will open the path for us to know God again.” “Selah.” Think about THAT for a while.

Drawing from that inspiration, the writers of today’s psalm, This Is Amazing Grace, pen the declarations, “Who breaks the power of sin, Whose love is mighty, Who shakes the earth, Who leaves us in wonder?” The King of Glory!

They continue: “Who brings our chaos into order, Who makes us sons and daughters?” The King of Glory!

The bridge brings us to a place of complete reverence and awe of “The Lord strong and might, the Lord mighty in battle. (Psalm 24:8)” “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,

Worthy is the King who conquered the grave.”

It is amazing when you think of all that Jesus did to provide us with a way back to our Father. He loved us with a love that took Him to Calvary where He died for you and me, so that we could be set free from the bondage of sin. It is reason to worship The King of Glory, Jesus Christ!