Theology of the Hymnbook

The Bible has numerous examples of songs that were used as a means of connection between an individual and God during the times of great distress. Notable is the song by David after committing sin with Bathsheba (Psalms 51). In later years, writers adapted the same model in dealing with their trial and tribulations by writing songs or hymns, leading to the theology of the hymnbook. The hymns provided a forum through which an individual communicated his or her feelings to God. Hymns have been used to refresh others and cause a change of direction in the hearts of those who are deeply affected. Hymnbook links the heart of the person to the creator in a deep way, revealing the feelings of inadequacy that can only be filled by an almighty God (Kelynack, 2000). The purpose of this is essay is to analyze and discuss the theology of sin as is presented in various hymns. In addition, the essay will compare and contrast the theology of the hymnbook to the theology of Gen.1-11.

God created man with a freewill to choose between right and wrong. With the freewill, God’s desire is that man chooses to do what is good and shun evil. However, sin has had an upper hand in the lives of people. According to the Bible, “We all like sheep has gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way” (Romans 3:23). People commit sin and often live in denial of their actions. Indeed, the actions and consequences of mans sinful nature is replicated in every facet of society. If people shunned evil and stuck to doing the right things, societies would be far much better. The word of God, in many ways, reminds people that they are sinners and can only receive pardon by faith in the work of Jesus Christ on the cross, “Confess with your mouth, Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). If al people lived by this rule, decisions in society will have a positive impact on the lives of the people (Long, 2005) However, when sin is inherent in people and goes unconfessed, then God or the Devil cannot be blamed for the consequences of sin in man. It is people who should bear the blame if they chose to do what is wrong. Worse still, the final hour of humanity in this evil world is reflected in the account of John, in the Book of revelation. In reflecting the chaotic nature of the world, John Montgomery (1771-1854) wrote the hymn “Go to Dark Gethsemane” which look at the last hours of Jesus before being crucified. Singing and re-looking at the wording of the hymn fills one with remorse at the sight of Jesus’ suffering to safe humanity from the dungeons of sin. The hymn is meant to instill a sense of repentance in the heart of man.

Hymns that Deal with Sin in a Substantive Way

God of the Ages
Song of Hope
We Walk by faith
Just a Closer Walk with thee”
I’m Gonna Live So God Can Use Me
His Eye Is On the Sparrow
The Lily of the Valley
Since Jesus Came Into My Heart
Oh I Know the Lord’s Laid His Hands on Me
Jesus This Lonely Valley

The above hymns carry with them a deep message on how people shoud examine their lives in a transformative way. The writers expressed their thoughts in their time of need. In addition, the hymns show the desperation that man finds himself in without God and the only hope for man (Long, 2005). The hymns call upon people to place their faith in finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Indeed, singing or hearing these songs creates a unique bond with the Holy Spirit and surrender to God’s through the songs appeal can be refreshing to the weary soul. Therefore, the hymns encouraged people to continue in their journey through yielding to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

Compare and Contrast the Theology of the Hymnbook to the Theology of Gen. 1-11.

The way in which people have wondered from God’s original plan and the consequences of that action should be a starting point in realizing the depth of sin in man. The anguish, suffering and lack of love among people are reflected in the fallen state that man finds himself in today. The theology of the hymnbook brings to sharp focus the reflection of man in his greatest time of distress and seeks solace in the immutable word of God. In Gen 1: 11, the Bible narrates thus, “Then God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth”; and it was so.” (Gen. 1: 11). The theology of hymnbook calls upon people to put their trust in the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross. In a similar version, God rested on the seventh day after creating the world, heavens, and all other forms of life and planets (Gen 2:1). God was pleased in His creation and therefore, His rest is synonymous with the rest that believers can derive in having Jesus take away any form of guilt in their lives. Before the entrance of sin into the world, man lived in a utopian state, a place where every seed bore after its own kind. In this paradise, there was no death and only perpetual life and growth. However, the fall of the first human beings created a gap in God’s plan (Gen 3: 1-12). The relationship between man and God was severed; growth ceased and evil became a part of human nature (Madden, 2012).

The first murder is recorded in the Book of Genesis, and it marked the beginning of isolation of offenders and brought despair among the people (Genesis 4:1-14). In essence, since God’s word was for each seed to bear after its own kind, the corrupted seed of man allowed sin to become part of humanity, from Adam and Eve to every other person born into this world (Madden, 2012). Mans’ sinful nature does not do the will of God; therefore, man is always seeking to please himself. Man’s self-centeredness has produced all manner of evil, including murder, strife, and hatred, among other evils. All these bring curse on mankind, but for those who obey, they are speared condemnation (Gen: 7; Gen 8). Blessings are meted on those who obey (Gen: 9, Gen: 10), as was the case of Noah. However, the heart of man does not always submit to God’s will. In Genesis 11:1, we see the intent of man in trying to seek God. In this chapter we encounter mans ways of reaching to God by His own means. However, this was not God’s way of interacting and communicating with man. Therefore, God had to scatter them across the world, in a similar version He had banished Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. From Gen 1 to Gen 11, it is evident that most people do not submit to God’s will. People tend to hide behind human institutions and do things their own way. The theology of the hymnbook also carries similar message of hope and good life for those who obey God. Those who do not will suffer shame in His presence. However, the hymnbook is carried away by focusing more on life in Heaven, which is not necessary, the theology of Gen 1-11 (Munroe, 2000). There is life to live here on earth and should be lived in harmony with the Holy Spirit as well

The theology of hymnbook mirrors the word of God in a way that can guide people to seek solace in God through Christ Jesus. As pointed out earlier, scriptures are categorical that all have fallen from the grace of God. People do not like assuming the responsibility for their actions. This is the root cause of chaos and disharmony in society. The book of Genesis provides an account of God’s creation and His intention in creating man. It also gives an analysis of the fall of man and how man sought to glorify God. However, only a few people tried to please God in His own predetermined method. Cain failed by doing it in his human manner. The builders of the Tower of Babel also failed in approaching God. The consequences are banishment and isolation. It is in this condition that a person can find solace both in the attitudes taken by the faithful in the book of Genesis and those who wrote hymns. God provides merciful way trough which people can reach Him and receive pardon for their sin (Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1-19; John 3:36; Rom. 3:23; 6:23; 1 Cor. 2:14).The theology of the hymnbook reflects the same picture in their message and therefore compliments the Biblical message of God’s mercy.

References

Hymns, M. l. (n.d.).

Kelynack, W. S. (2000). Making Melody: Devotional Meditations upon the Hymns of the Christian Church. New York: Kessinger Publishing.

Long, G. T. (2005). The Witness of Preaching. Washington, DC: Westminster John Knox Press.

Madden, C. (2012). A Compendium of the Doctrines of Genesis 1-11. Bloomington, IN: iUniverse.

Munroe, M. (2000). Purpose and Power of Praise and Worship. Shippensburg, PA: Destiny Image Publishers, Inc.