Lyrical Theology: In Christ Alone (Part 3)
In Christ Alone – Newsboys (see full lyrics here)
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.
DC Talk popularized the phrase “love is a verb”, and the statement is true. Love is not a feeling that ebbs and flows based on the circumstances surrounding life – at least, that is not true love. Love is founded in actions. Love can be demonstrated. It is more than words or theory. Jesus taught that there is no greater love than for one to lay down his life for another, and Jesus would go on to prove that with his own death. So when Christ-followers look upon the rugged cross and see the Saviour who gave his life for them, they have evidence of God’s love. It is real and tangible. No wonder we can declare “what heights of love!”, for in his death, Jesus substituted his innocent life to pay for our guilt. The righteous was punished and the innocent set free. It is a free gift, and no greater gift has ever been given.
In addition to this unsurpassable love, there are depths of peace to be found in knowing Christ. Turmoil defines our earthly existence, and struggle pervades our flimsy lives. We have much reason to feel unrest…who knows what the future might hold? And not only are we gripped by temporary troubles but by eternal ones…what becomes of a sinner in the presence of the holy God? Yet because of Jesus dying to pay for our sin, our faith in Jesus gives us the assurance to know that we are acceptable in God’s sight, deemed pure and spotless. This brings peace! And not only did Christ give us assurance eternally, but has promised to his followers that he would never leave them or forsake them, that he is a provider and protector of the greatest kind. These truths bring depths of peace no other can match, and explains why “fears are stilled” and “strivings cease”.
Because of his love and the peace he provides, Jesus can be called a comforter. Additionally, because he provides for our every need and gives us eternal life, Jesus can also be called our all-in-all. In the life of the Christian, he is everything! Therefore it is right for us to declare “here in the love of Christ I stand”. No other ground is like the solid rock of Christ. Only in the love of Christ do we truly find peace, comfort, purpose, forgiveness, acceptance, joy, and abundant life! Indeed, to stand firmly in the love of Christ is the one place anyone can find their every need provided for.
Canadian Bible Guy 