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.
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