Sing New Songs . . . with Old Truths

Without wanting to be misunderstood, let me say—without shame or embarrassment—that I love the grand old hymns.

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!

There is everything right about singing new songs. But we must be certain that the songs we compose and sing express sound doctrine rather than man-centered philosophy. Simply claiming, “The Lord gave me this song,” doesn’t qualify it for public worship. (There have been times I had wished the singer would give the song back to the Lord!) Even Christians in the first century were urged to “test” the words they heard (1 John 4:1–6). Furthermore, a good melody should never override our critical thinking. Harmony doesn’t excuse or eclipse heresy. Lyrics take on significance only when they are filtered through the inerrant text of the Holy Scriptures.

The music can be new . . . but the truths the music proclaims must not be.

—Chuck