Let Everyone Sing

Two previous posts were based on the Apostle Paul’s first letter to Timothy, "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (1 Timothy 1:15) The emphasis of the posts is the central truth of the Gospel, Jesus came to save sinners. It is God’s will and purpose to rescue people from death and deliver people to life, and it is His work and power that accomplish the task.



The final installment is simple, rescued people who are born of the Spirit, those who have responded to the Lord’s overture to believe and be saved, worship and praise the Savior. The Apostle Paul noted that he had been the worst of sinners, living evidence that if Jesus could save him, the worst, then He was capable and willing to save all those who were less than the worst. Paul concludes his argument with an appropriate, explosive expression of worship and praise, "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (1:17)

Thomas Carlyle has been quoted as saying, "Let others write the nation’s laws, I will write her anthems. "People become what they sing." Paul’s song is a window into which we can peer into an apostle’s soul. He understood that the wealth of Eternity invaded the poverty of time. Sin that separates was dealt a fatal blow as grace overwhelmed the penalties and estrangement resulting from man’s audacity and willfulness. The self-described "worst of sinners" sings out, "Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Recently, Pat and I were worshiping with a congregation. The lyrics attached to music were appropriate, faith-building, God glorifying, good poetry set to music. And, then, out of the netherworld of pathetic poetry and boorish banality, an unexpected and unappreciated song with the following line was inserted, "So heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss." I don’t know the author, I just cannot bring myself to sing the line while a great song like Paul’s is being ignored.

Jesus came to meet us, dispossessed, defeated, difficult, and full of death. His actions resulted in adoption, acceptance, and life! A childhood song was long ago committed to memory. The Spirit lifts the lyrics and tune into my consciousness with rhythmic regularity. I am so thankful that good poetry captured an essential truth to reinforce faith for a lifetime. It goes like this . . .

　
All praise to Him Who reigns above
In majesty supreme,
Who gave His Son for man to die,
That He might man redeem!

Refrain

Blessed be the Name! Blessed be the Name!
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
Blessed be the Name! Blessed be the Name!
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
His Name above all names shall stand,
Exalted more and more,
At God the Father’s own right hand,
Where angel hosts adore.

Refrain

Redeemer, Savior, Friend of man
Once ruined by the fall,
Thou hast devised salvation’s plan,
For Thou hast died for all.

Refrain

His Name shall be the Counselor,
The mighty Prince of Peace,
Of all earth’s kingdoms Conqueror,
Whose reign shall never cease.

Refrain

Enough good theology to save a person is in the lyrics! Enough good material for a lifetime of worship! Thank God, "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." It is His will and purpose. Saving people is Jesus’ work and power. Those who experience His salvation always worship and praise.