In a previous article, I challenged the theology of a particular song: At the Cross. My primary concern was with the notion of our bowing at the Cross, as if that was the end of God’s necessary work in a Christian’s life. If you have not read it, please do so now. It is more important than what follows.
The songs we sing say a lot about the way we live out our faith; and they can outright affect the way we live. Words – just by themselves – are powerful instruments of influence. Supported by music, presented by leaders, and sung by seekers of the truth, they have great power to impact our hearts and souls. And they can be wrong – very wrong!
I fear that the desire to attract and entertain creates an opportunity for compromise. The fact that something sounds good, and may move hearts to worship, does not give license to error in our theology. As another example, consider this lyric from How Deep the Father’s Love for Us:
“His dying breathe has brought me life.”
As pointed out in the previous article, we are not saved by His death, but by His life. Romans 5:8-10 makes this abundantly clear.
Regrettably, it gets worse.
“His wounds have paid my ransom.”
This line – six words – doubles down on theological error. First, His wounds did not pay my ransom. They are for my healing. Second, our ransom is paid by His death, not by His wounds. There are at least two other lines in this song that are highly questionable. I cannot help but wonder how such a song filled with so much error could achieve millions of views on YouTube.
Would we allow a Sunday School teacher to introduce a false doctrine – even the smallest error in theology – to their small group of students? Then why are we not more careful with the lyrics that everyone in the church are singing?
Make no mistake about it: The songs we use in our worship services are teaching something. Is that something the truth? This raises the question of responsibility.
Obviously, we should be more careful about what we sing – careful about what we agree with. But who is responsible? It seems to me that the Song Writers and Producers should be more careful about the theology they are promoting. In the end, the responsibility falls on Pastors, Elders and Worship Leaders to insure our congregants are worshipping in spirit and truth.
Humbly yours and forever His,
