By: Matt Tyler
"What is the Gospel?"
This has been a question that has been thrown around repeatedly over the past several years. While I believe there are certain contexts in which it is okay to ask this question, it is sad to realize that so many who profess Christianity do not know what the Gospel of Jesus Christ actually is. And if they cannot even answer the question that is the most basic to our Faith then how can they be genuine Christians? I think what Jesus said is true: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter (Matthew 7)."
I would love to spend an entire blog post on this subject expanding on it and looking for some of the sad reasons why this is. However, I want to focus much more narrowly today. Since so many who profess Christianity don't know what the Gospel is then one would think that this would be displayed in the types of songs that we sing. Indeed, this is exactly the case in today! So many contemporary songs (not all, mind you) are mo
re about worshipping "me," "myself," "I," "we," and "us." The fact of the matter is so many Christian songs lack any real theology or even praise of the One True God.
While this is another subject for another day, I would like to post a song in which the Gospel is understood and proclaimed. "The Power of the Cross" by Kristyn and Kieth Getty is one of my favorite songs and truly captures the heart of the Gospel. The song is edifying to the worshipper, but more importantly, I believe, glorifying to the Creator. Let this be the song on your heart today:
(Click on the phrases to see Bible verses dealing with that line.)
The Power of the Cross
"The Power of the Cross"
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music
Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.
CHORUS: This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.
Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Every bitter thought,
Every evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.
Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the victory cry.
Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.
FINAL CHORUS:
This, the power of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.
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