March 17, 2012

There are many old church songs we would consider “Protestant hymns,” ballads that call to mind the faith of our fathers. Yet it is a bit more difficult to find contemporary Christian music that clearly states our position. Grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone. Is there such a song that so heartily outlines the tenets for which our ancestors proudly put their lives on the line, the tenets we still embrace with steadfastness and assurance?

I was overjoyed to find such a song, and its lyrics revitalized me with the spirit of the Reformation:

IN CHRIST ALONE
(Sung by Brian Littrell)
(Written by Andrew Shawn Craig and Donald Koch)

In Christ alone will I glory
Though I could pride myself in battles won
For I’ve been blessed beyond measure
And by His strength alone I'll overcome
Oh, I could stop and count successes like diamonds in my hands
But those trophies could not equal to the grace by which I stand

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone

In Christ alone do I glory
For only by His grace I am redeemed
For only His tender mercy
Could reach beyond my weakness to my need
And now I seek no greater honor in just to know Him more
And to count my gains but losses to the glory of my Lord

In Christ alone
I place my trust
And find my glory in the power of the cross
In every victory
Let it be said of me
My source of strength
My source of hope
Is Christ alone


It doesn’t get much simpler than that. I imagine that even Luther and Calvin, as much as they might have differed on varying doctrines and had differing opinions regarding their current issues, might agree on the strength, truth, and power of this song.


(c) 2012 Joyously Saved