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.

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!

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!

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)

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.