In Christ Alone

In the last couple of years, old hymns have been coming back in vogue. Part of the reason for this renaissance is that some of these hymns are rich in theology. As these hymns are put to modern, 'contemporary' arrangements, there have been a few old songs that have been re-discovered. For some reason, In Christ Alone, had been left out of the Southern Baptist hymnals for over fifty years. Luckily, music leaders have rediscovered this inspired gem and what a blessing this redisovery has become. One of my fondest memories at seminary was when I was at my graduation where 2,000 men and women sung all four stanzas in what seemed like perfect unison. How wonderful it is to hear people singing about their unified blessed hope. It was a little taste of our heavenly future. In Christ Alone is one of my all-time favorites:

"In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand

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

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave He rose again
And as He stands in victory
Sin’s curse has lost its grip on me
For I am His and He is mine
Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death
This is the power of Christ in me
From life’s first cry to final breath
Jesus commands my destiny
No power of hell, no scheme of man
Can ever pluck me from His hand
‘til He returns or calls me home
Here in the power of Christ I’ll stand "