Songs of faith or hymns are meant to express God's faithfulness and goodness in a way to draw oneself closer to Him for more inspiration and strength. Confessional songs in the scripture affirm faith in Christ. Romans 10:9 - If thou shall confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shall be saved. The followings are discussed: Confessions of Faith; Songs of Incarnation and exaltation, and Victory over death.
Confessions of Faith: Creedal hymns express our belief and help strengthen faith in God. We follow the scripture to understand how God is manifested in the flesh and made human in Christ. Christians can be inspired to speak out the truth about God when they confess Christ and share his suffering (1 Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 2: 11-13). Believers will have hope during difficult times, because if they suffer with Christ, they will reign with him for eternity.
Victory over evil should stir up to sing God's praise. The people of Israel sang to praise God after their miraculous deliverance through the red sea (Exodus 15:1-8 ). Moses led the people through the wilderness and gave them the law which they could follow to understand and practise God's requirements for righteous living . Moses led Israelites out of slavery and gave the law, but Christ leads people out of darkness of sin to new living and true worship through water and spiritual baptism. Water baptism symbolises putting off the old and sinful nature in the water and coming out for new living. God's redemptive work is amazing and worthy of praise.
Song of Incarnation and Exaltation: Jesus was exalted to the throne of God because of his submission to carry out the will of God and reveal His way and love for humanity. He laid aside his divine nature and put on human nature, so that all types of people can be saved through him (Philippians 2: 5-8 ). Thus he provided the way to overcome our weaknesses and become victorious. Christians are to follow Christ's example of humble submission to God in dealing with others.
Honour the Exalted Christ: Christ was sent to all people and because of his obedience God has exalted and given him ''a name above any name'', that at his name every knee will bow and all tongues will confess that he is the Lord (Philippians 2:9-11). This confession of Christ has become Christian song of faith and prayer.
Victory over Death: People may not know they are living in darkness until they come to the light given by Christ. Salvation brings about transformation from darkness to light (Ephesians 5:8-14), and those who know Christ will walk in the light. Lives of 'children of light' are characterised by goodness, righteousness and truthfulness which are fruits of the spirit. Light of Christ exposes and reproves sinful and shameful deeds. We can enter into God's glory when we allow His spirit to shine Christ's light through us (Ephesians 5:14; Isaiah 60:1). This song reminds us of victory over spiritual death.
This song of final victory over death points to when Christian will lay aside mortality and put on immortality, when death will be swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:53-58). This song of faith provides redemption and makes Christians spiritually alive. We should give thanks to God for victory and full redemption He has provided through Christ. Lesson text: 1 Corinthians 15:53-58; Eph 5:8-14; Phil 2:5-11; Timothy 3:16; 2 Timothy 2:11-13; Rev15:3-4.
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