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.