Bowing at the Cross – Part Two

In a previous article, I challenged the theology of a particular song: At the Cross. My primary concern was with the notion of our bowing at the Cross, as if that was the end of God’s necessary work in a Christian’s life. If you have not read it, please do so now. It is more important than what follows.

The songs we sing say a lot about the way we live out our faith; and they can outright affect the way we live. Words – just by themselves – are powerful instruments of influence. Supported by music, presented by leaders, and sung by seekers of the truth, they have great power to impact our hearts and souls. And they can be wrong – very wrong!

I fear that the desire to attract and entertain creates an opportunity for compromise. The fact that something sounds good, and may move hearts to worship, does not give license to error in our theology. As another example, consider this lyric from How Deep the Father’s Love for Us:

“His dying breathe has brought me life.”

As pointed out in the previous article, we are not saved by His death, but by His life. Romans 5:8-10 makes this abundantly clear.

Regrettably, it gets worse.