Today’s church loves to sing Keith Getty and Stuart Townsend’s song, In Christ Alone. In addition to being beautiful, the song is of course Christ-focused. We powerfully proclaim the gospel whenever we sing In Christ Alone.
The church would do well to think more about her singing. Rather than just going through the motions of mouthing the words, we must ensure that our hearts and minds are in tune with the words and notes which are coming out of our mouths.
The third line of In Christ Alone is a powerful expression of Christ’s sacrifice.
In Christ alone who took on flesh; Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness Scorned by the ones He came to save;
‘Til on that cross as Jesus died The wrath of God was satisfied;
For every sin on Him was laid; Here in the death of Christ I live.
I recently sang this song where the words “The wrath of God was satisfied” had been changed to “The love of God was magnified.” At first, the difference with this phrase doesn’t appear too drastic, but such a change seems to indicate a desire to focus on a different side of God’s character.
Indeed, on the cross the love of God was magnified. However let us also not forget that it was there that the wrath of God was also satisfied.
It’s kinder and gentler to focus on God’s love (“This gift of love and righteousness”), but regardless of how palatable to our modern sensibilities, we must remember that God’s gracious atonement not only displayed his relentless love, but also his divine wrath.
What God’s justice demands, His grace has supplied!
Romans 3:21-26
Pastor Todd
