In Christ Alone
By Bryce Krisell
Author/Composer Info.: This song is co-written by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty. Townend is an English worship leader and writer of multiple hymns and contemporary worship music. His life of faith started at the age of 13 and he commenced writing songs at 22. Townend has led worship at events, conferences, and festivals across the world, including the Stoneleigh Bible Week, Keswick Convention, and Spring Harvest. In 2017, Townend was also awarded the Cranmer Award for Worship by the Archbishop of Canterbury. As of 2008, CCLI places “In Christ Alone” in its Top 25 CCLI Songs list.
Biblical Basis: Acts 4:11–12, Romans 8:38–39, John 10:27–30, Psalm 118:14, Philippians 1:21, Isaiah 53:10–11, Lamentations 3:23–25, Matthew 21:42, 1 Corinthians 15:51–57, Psalm 28:7, Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 53:5–6
Textual Analysis: The first verse expresses the many different characteristics of Christ. The second verse narrates the birth, life, and death of Jesus. The third verse tells of Jesus’ resurrection and the salvation we receive from sin as his believers. The final verse explains what the life of a believer looks like in the power of Christ.
Musical Evaluation: The same melody is sung and the same chord progression is used for all four verses. The song is at a moderate tempo in 3/4. This means that it feels kind of slow when singing it, but it feels faster for instrumentalists doing a lot of chord changing. Also, percussion players may have a harder time with this song because of the odd-feeling time signature.
Critical Evaluation: This is an appropriate and effective song for corporate worship no matter what the age range. The hymn arrangement naturally appeals to the older generation while the instrumentation catches the attention of the newer generations. However, there is one line in the second verse that has sparked a theological debate among some Christians, particularly Presbyterians. The line, “Till on that cross as Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied,” supports the satisfaction theory of atonement. Opponents of this theory perceive the line to mean God is vindictive and took joy in punishing His Son.
External Links:
https://www.stuarttownend.co.uk/biography/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart_Townend_(musician)
https://www.pexels.com/photo/human-standing-beside-crucifix-statue-on-mountain-415571/
