How has the song 'In Christ Alone' inspired millions, but also led to arguments?
“In Christ Alone” is a contemporary worship song covered by numerous artists, utilized in churches around the globe, translated into multiple languages, and even the subject of some controversy. While another song (written by Shawn Craig and Don Koch) shares the same title, this article will explore the song created by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty in 2002.
Besides the original version, it’s been covered by many artists, from the Newsboys to Owl City to Alison Krauss. The song’s popularity is undeniable.
Many contemporary songs fade from popularity, but “In Christ Alone” appears to have staying power with new generations.
Along with its popular appeal, “In Christ Alone” has also been a favorite of theologians. Martin Luther and other early reformers would likely appreciate this deeply credal song. Luther and many of his contemporaries embraced the five solas of the Reformation:
- Sola Scriptura
- Sola gratia
- Sola fide
- Solus Christus
- Soli Deo gloria
Getty and Townend’s lyrics in “In Christ Alone” beautifully capture the solus Christus doctrine.
Who Wrote 'In Christ Alone'?
Townend grew up in West Yorkshire, England, the youngest of four children of a Church of England vicar. He is married and has three grown children. Townend is known for his music’s deeply theological nature, and he’s penned well-loved songs such as “How Deep the Father’s Love” and “Lord How Majestic You Are.”
Getty grew up in Northern Ireland. He and his wife, Krystyn, are a Grammy-nominated musical duo with four daughters. They split their time between Northern Ireland and Nashville, Tennessee.
The couples’ website observes, “Keith was the first contemporary Christian musician to be awarded Officer of the Order of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 for his contributions to music and hymnody.”
What is the Story Behind the Writing of 'In Christ Alone'?
After meeting in 2000 at a worship event, the songwriters had the idea of collaborating. Keith sent Stuart several melodies, and this haunting Irish tune captured his imagination, inspiring the lyrics that encompass the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus and their implications for our daily lives. After fine-tuning it, the songwriting duo felt they had a timeless melody and theme.
In an interview on GodTube, Getty explains that Townend was his “hymn writing hero.” When they wrote this song, they determined to tell the whole story of Christ’s life and what it means for us because they believed in the power of story: “People engage through stories today, and in every genre of art, great art to me is great story.”
This timeless aspect of “In Christ Alone” is proving to be true as, over 22 years later, it's not only popular with worshippers worldwide, but it’s also prompted reflection by well-known pastors such as John Piper
Here is Piper discussing his thoughts on the lyrics with Keith Getty:
What Theological Ideas Does 'In Christ Alone' Explore?
It’s not unusual for Christians who grew up singing hymns to mourn the diminishing use of these songs in modern worship. Many believe traditional hymns help us understand great theological truths through their lyrics and creative harmonies. For example, hymns such as “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” “And Can It Be,” or “Love Divine” helped worshipers comprehend God’s protection, His provision of salvation, and His excellent love. As contemporary music became popular in the church, some wondered if choruses with simple melodies could ever convey these great truths.
As it turns out, they can.
Several modern songwriters do this now through what many call praise music. “In Christ Alone” is a contemporary worship song whose lyrics, supported by a mesmerizing score, help today’s worshipers understand our complete reliance on Christ alone for salvation. This is the reformers’ solus Christus made accessible through song.
The Reformers believed that the Bible teaches salvation depends on Christ alone, not believers’ works, acts, or spiritual contributions. Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (ESV).
John 14:6 read, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” (ESV)
The well-known John 3:16-18 passage says:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (ESV)
The popular song is a credal hymn, meaning it expounds one of Christianity’s foundational truths. In this case, it expounds on the truth that Jesus is our only hope for salvation. The lyrics proclaim that Jesus was born fully human and fully God, was rejected, died on the cross, and in love took our sins upon Himself. The song promotes the foundational truth that Jesus rose to life again and has been victorious over sin and death, so there is no condemnation for those who have faith in Him for their salvation. Jesus, alone, saves.
What Has Made 'In Christ Alone' a Controversial Worship Song?
“In Christ Alone” does such a beautiful job of proclaiming solus Christus that Luther and his contemporaries may have found themselves at home singing the lyrics. However, one line has become a sticking point for some denominations, particularly for the Presbyterian Church (USA).
For this group (and at least one other), the second verse containing a line about God’s wrath and how Jesus’ death on the cross satisfied it is problematic. These hymn committees requested permission to alter the line to focus on God’s love demonstrated on the cross, steering the attention of worshippers away from God’s wrath. Townend and Getty have denied permission for the alteration. Due to this denial, the hymn was not included in their hymnal.
In a 2013 interview with Townend, the songwriter shared his thoughts with Colin Hansen on why he and Getty have declined requests to make this suggested change:
“I understand some people take issue with the theological perspective that God’s wrath was satisfied through Christ's death on the cross. Part of this debate centers on whether the cross became the object of God’s wrath. God’s anger can sound harsh and confusing when couched in those terms. Yet I believe this view stems from an inadequate understanding of how God’s wrath differs from our own.”
Again, John Piper continues his thoughts about the doctrine taught in “In Christ Alone” with Keith Getty. He acknowledges that some segments of the faith refuse to sing the song because of the line about wrath, but he celebrates that line. Piper says it's good for him to remember, “There’s a reason God’s not angry with me.” He expressed gratitude to Getty and Townend for writing without fear of teaching the full truth of Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection.
“In Christ Alone” stands as a contemporary hymn that proclaims great truths about the gospel story and its impact on every believer’s life. Not only does it teach, but it also focuses the worshiper away from self and toward Christ. It also inspires hope that modern songwriters continue to produce songs that instruct even as they inspire worship.
A positive thought to carry about this controversy is that modern worshippers and leaders understand worship songs’ powerful impact enough to challenge lines they believe are not enlightening (even if others disagree). The songwriters' willingness to stand by their lyrics and doctrine is equally positive.
All of us can take this to heart and remember when we worship to dial in our focus to attend to every aspect of the service, from the reading of God’s Word to prayer, to song, to message, to communion, and letting the Holy Spirit use these elements to bring us before the throne of grace. Solus Christus, in Christ alone, is a truth that can inspire us to worship wherever we are.
Photo Credit: Peter Hulce/Unsplash
