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Throughout my Christian life, I have treasured their historic statements of the church’s faith. I have committed many of them to memory. They have been my dearest companions in dark hours of loneliness and discouragement. They are also my greatest encouragers in times of celebration and adoration.
I’ll be the first to admit that while there’s nothing holy about a hymnal per se, hymns remain an important part of our longstanding Christian heritage. Why? Because the theology of hymns is far too rich and beneficial to lose. The hymn writers were wordsmiths and musicians (seldom the same person) who knew how to weave theology and melody together into splendid compositions. They gave us words for worship and marvelous music. One of the benefits of music—whatever style you choose—is that it helps cement truth in our brains more strongly than the memorization of words alone. We remember words easier with a tune attached. Hymns bring to mind deep and practical truths, not only for times of worship, but also for times of trial and distress. When we sing them it’s like we’re standing on the shoulders of great lives who have now gone on before us. We deepen our roots.
However, let me quickly add that the canon isn’t closed on music for worship. In addition to hymns, each new generation must continue to compose fresh choruses of worship, new songs of praise, and majestic hymns rich in theology. And that is as it should be—it’s biblical!
Those churches who are so traditional they believe we should only sing hymns have forgotten the words of David, the sweet psalmist of Israel, who wrote:
I will sing a new song to You, O God;
Upon a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You.
(Psalm 144:9, emphasis added)
The prophet Isaiah and the apostle John later used similar words (Isaiah 42:10; Revelation 5:9). The worship of our Creator should stay fresh, creative, and ever new!Upon a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You.
(Psalm 144:9, emphasis added)
