I’ve been getting some great questions by e-mail recently, and am looking forward to sharing my thoughts on them in the coming weeks. This one came from Phil:

I recently looked at the lyrics to songs on a 2006 worship song compilation CD. There were 33 songs on the CD.  Of these, only nine mentioned the cross at all, and only five mentioned what the cross actually did (i.e., achieved forgiveness of sins)…Is the trend among contemporary songs to omit the cross, or to mention it briefly, in passing (maybe only one line, a sort of a “tip-of-the-hat” to the cross) healthy?

No, that trend is not healthy. I’m actually pleasantly surprised that 9 out of 33 song mentioned the cross. I’ve reviewed CD’s that only make mention of the cross (including words like Savior or Redeemer) in one or two songs. Some have no references at all.

From what I’ve seen, songs that accurately expound Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice at the cross have always been lacking in the contemporary genre. However, the same can be said for other periods of writing that focused more on a social Gospel, the work of the Holy Spirit, or a some other doctrinal emphasis. I’m happy to say there are some notable exceptions to this pattern today. Contemporary writers that are making a significant contribution to Gospel-expounding songs include Stuart Townend, Keith Getty, Matt Redman and the folks from Indelible Grace. I should also mention Mark Atlrogge, Steve and Vikki Cook, and the other Sovereign Grace song writers I have the joy of serving with. I know there are many more.

However,  I think Phil is right to say that contemporary songs haven’t adequately articulated the meaning and effect of Christ’s atoning death. While not limiting that effect to substitutionary atonement, propitiation is the heart of what God accomplished at Calvary. (For more on that topic, I highly recommend Mark Dever’s article in a recent issue of Christianity Today). In other words, it’s not enough simply to mention the cross, merely hold it up as an example of servanthood for us to follow, or only see it as Christ’s victory over Satan.

Why would we shy away from proclaiming what is the heart of our faith? Here are ten reasons that come to mind:

1. We assume everyone understands and remembers what God accomplished through Christ’s death. While this would be wonderful, it’s untrue.
2. Our pride tempts us to think of worship as something we can do on our own, rather than something Christ has done for us. It’s not our efforts, our leaders, our instruments, our passion, or our sincerity that enables us to enter God’s presence and worship Him. It’s Jesus Christ, who bore God’s wrath against us and offered God a perfect sacrifice for our sins ( Heb. 10:19-22Hebrews 10:19-22 [19]Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, [20]by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, [21]and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22]let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. (ESV)
   
   This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
   ).
3. We think the Christian life begins with Christ saving us from our sins and moves on to pleasing God through our good works and service. We don’t realize that the Gospel remains our only foundation, providing hope, joy, security, peace, faith, and assurance for our life with God. The New Testament writers were consistent in their focus on the significance of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ for our lives ( 1 Cor. 15:3-41 Corinthians 15:3-4 [3]For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [4]that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, (ESV)
   
   This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
   ;  Col. 3:1-4Colossians 3:1-4 [3:1]If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2]Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. [3]For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4]When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. (ESV)
   
   This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
   ; 1 Pet. 1:22-21 Peter 1:22-2:25 [22]Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, [23]since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; [24]for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, [25]but the word of the Lord remains forever." And this word is the good news that was preached to you. [2:1]So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. [2]Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation-- [3]if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. [4]As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, [5]you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [6]For it stands in Scripture: "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." [7]So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, "The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone," [8]and "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. [9]But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. [10]Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. [11]Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. [12]Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. [13]Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, [14]or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. [15]For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. [16]Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. [17]Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. [18]Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. [19]For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. [20]For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. [21]For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. [22]He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. [23]When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. [24]He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. [25]For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls. (ESV)
   
   This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
   :5; Heb. 10:19-23Hebrews 10:19-23 [19]Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, [20]by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, [21]and since we have a great priest over the house of God, [22]let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. [23]Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. (ESV)
   
   This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
   ; 1 John 4:7-101 John 4:7-10 [7]Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. [8]Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. [9]In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. [10]In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (ESV)
   
   This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
   ).
4. We don’t like to sing songs about God’s wrath. Keith Getty has told me that he’s received numerous requests to alter this line from In Christ Alone: "And on the cross as Jesus died the wrath of God was satisfied." If we remove the wrath of God from Scripture, it’s hard to explain God’s requirement for sacrifice throughout the Old Testament, God’s concern for holiness, and the existence of hell. Which is why when the wrath of God goes, the rest seem to follow.
5. We don’t understand the significance of Christ’s death ourselves.
6. We look for more creative, interesting, or “mature” themes to sing about.
7. We enjoy singing and writing songs about what we do and feel more than songs about what God has done for us in Christ.
8. Pastors haven’t taught their congregations why the cross must remain central not only to our songs but to our lives ( Gal. 6:14Galatians 6:14 [14]But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (ESV)
   
   This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
   ; Phil. 3:7-11Philippians 3:7-11 [7]But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. [8]Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ [9]and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith-- [10]that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, [11]that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. (ESV)
   
   This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
   ).
9. Songwriters haven’t studied their Bibles well.
10. We forget that the throngs of heaven will worship the Lamb who was slain forever ( Rev. 5:8-14Revelation 5:8-14 [8]And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. [9]And they sang a new song, saying, "Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, [10]and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth." [11]Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, [12]saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" [13]And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, "To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!" [14]And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped. (ESV)
    
    This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.
    ).

I’m sure there are more reasons.

All of this is to say that whether you’re a writer, a leader, or simply a member of the church, we must never lose sight of our glorious Redeemer and his substitutionary sacrifice, which satisfied the holy justice of God against us, and through faith enables us to become God’s adopted children. May our song always be:

My heart is filled with a thousand songs
Proclaiming the glories of Calvary
With every breath, Lord how I long
To sing of Jesus who died for me
Lord take me deeper into the glories of Calvary.
From The Glories of Calvary by Steve and Vikki Cook. Copyright 2003 Sovereign Grace Worship.

8 Comments »

1. this lack of depth and mention of the gospel in contemporary music is why I got frustrated with modern praise and worship music…and why I have been so moved and inspired by Sovereign Grace Music. thanks for keeping the cross at the center of the music you produce–I never get tired of “Worship God Live” and “Songs for the Cross Centered Life” !

   Comment by amy — September 22, 2006 @ 3:49 pm

2. Jim Donahue was at our church recently speaking on evangelism and he made a comment regarding 1 Corinthians 1:181 Corinthians 1:18
   [18]For the word of the cross is folly to those who are
   perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of
   God. (ESV)

   This text is from the ESV Bible. Visit www.esv.org to learn about the ESV.

   , “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” He made a great point that we try to take the “folly” or the foolishness out of the gospel so that others might “understand it better”. Since the folly IS the power of God, what happens is that we take the power out of the message.

   It seems that this may be another reason why some christian song writers don’t mention the cross very often. They want the song to be relevant to those who aren’t believers and they may not want to offend them. It is this offensive and foolish message however, that God uses as His power to save.

   Comment by Jason — September 22, 2006 @ 7:00 pm

3. Well, sadly this not a contemporary problem. There are plenty of hymns that do not mention the cross at all (or at least the edited versions in our hymnals).

   I don’t think it is necessary for every Christian song to explicitly mention the Cross, but it should be present in some of the songs, sermon etc. It would be absurd to demand each song mention it. But not abusrd to agree that each service should.

   Paul saw all of theology connected with the cross (love of God, justice, mercy, sanctification, discipleship…). Thanks for answering that e-mail.

   Comment by cavman — September 23, 2006 @ 4:21 pm

4. Just this evening we were listening again to Valley of Vision, and I was struck by the gospel that fills those songs. I was made to focus not only on the work my Savior accomplished for my salvation but also that same work that sustains and sanctifies me. Also, from the Fuse album, a song that melts me every time says:

   My Savior’s blood is all I need
   There is no other sacrifice
   That is required
   For He became my righteousness
   When in love He suffered willingly.

   On the cross
   where He bore the wrath of God
   and in my place was lifted up to die,
   and through His death He gave me life.
   My Savior’s precious blood
   My Savior’s precious blood

   One sacrifice completely paid
   For all the sin that I had done
   Against my God
   Now I’ve received what Christ has earned
   And Christ received what I deserved

   On the cross where He bore the wrath of God
   And in my place was lifted up to die
   And through His death He gave me life
   You’ve taken all my sin and shame
   Thank You for pouring out Your grace
   Thank You, Lord
   Thank You, Lord
   For pouring out Your grace on me!*

   Hearing and singing these songs aid me in focusing on the cross and bringing every thought captive as I journey to the Celestial City. Thank you, Sovereign Grace Music.

   *(My Savior’s Precious Blood by JonRyan, Sovereign Grace Music, 2004)

   Comment by Julie — September 23, 2006 @ 10:14 pm

5. Thanks, Bob, for answering this question. I think your observations are spot on!

   Do you suppose that another answer to this problem, related to #4, is that comtemporary worship songs emphasize celebration and generally “happy” themes, and that, while the cross is in actuality our greatest cause for joy, yet songwriters think that the imagery of the cross (blood, wrath, violence, sin) do not translate into “feel-good” music?

   Thank you for demonstrating, through the Sovereign Grace music, that the theme of the cross can be sung, not just somberly, but joyfully!

   Comment by phil — September 25, 2006 @ 12:46 pm

6. I was having a conversation with my father the other evening about contemporary worship. He laments that there aren’t more songs of “admonition.” Also, he wishes that our problems and day to day struggles were more often mentioned. I have to admit, I can’t think of many “worship” songs like that–only of some old-time black gospel music. What are your thoughts? Can these elements be tied into worship music (to be used in a service), or do they only belong in the larger context of Christian music? Would that depend on where and to whom the listener’s attention is finally brought?

   Comment by Lauren Wenger — September 25, 2006 @ 1:25 pm

7. Greetings Bob - Thank you for challenging us to remember the cross and what Christ has done in spite of our sins! Thank you for helping us to sharpen our discernment in the most subtle means of communication in this day of age, and to always help point us back to the Word and the cross.

   There’s one concern that I have (and possibly others), given the “cushiony” lyrics of modern Christian artists: outside of Sovereign Grace, which Christian artist(s) would be considered safe to listen to that sings about a crucified Savior?

   One thing that’s appreciative about Sovereign Grace music is that not only are the lyrics cross-centered and God-centered, but some of the songs have a really cool rhythm and tempo. For instance, I purchased “The Audience of One” on iTunes yesterday primarily because of the lyrics, especially the second verse:

   Let me seek one prize, one great reward
   One hope I treasure most
   To hear the Father say, “My child, well done
   Come enter into all the joy
   Found in my Son.”

   That just furthers my longing to consciously beholding my Savior! Now when I listened to the song in entirety, the music incorporated in the song just makes “The Audience of One” a favorite of mine.

   Thanks to all who participate in creating cool cross-centered songs all for the glory of God!

   Comment by B. Catton — September 26, 2006 @ 10:56 am

8. Exactly. I did my own study of the most-performed worship songs in American churches recently and found that an even smaller percentage of songs mentioned the resurrection and heaven/Second Coming.

   Paul said that if Christ is not raised from the dead then our preaching is in vain, we are of all men most miserable, and we are still in our sins. And to the Thessalonians, when he described the Lord’s return, he said, “Comfort one another with these words.”

   Many modern worship lyrics are so vague that they could be sung to an earthly lover. Many leave out substitutionary atonement. Many leave out the greatest proof that Christ was qualified to make that atonement (see Thomas, feeling the wound in his risen Lord’s side and declaring “My Lord and my God!”). And many leave out the refutation of ying-yang philosophy, the notion that good and evil are two equally opposing forces that will battle each other forever: the return of our King and the final, realized victory over Satan.

   Comment by Bobby — September 27, 2006 @ 11:23 pm

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