Songs of Atonement
by Steven Smith on August 19, 2013 in Christian Life
The recent discussion over the song “In Christ Alone” by Keith and Kristyn Getty has been ably considered from a theological perspective and from the view of recent Baptist history. This conversation brings to mind other wonderful songs on the atonement.
The necessary disclaimer to this, and subsequent posts, is that I am not qualified to deal with music on any level. Frankly, I don’t listen to a lot of music except when I run, and then I often listen to something theologically provocative, something with a driving beat, or hip-hop. As a white guy from Oklahoma, I’ve found that urban beats confuse me so much I don’t think about my lungs and legs.
However, I love songs that help me think of Christ and to think of Christ in the way the Bible describes Him. I appreciate when the musicality of the song mirrors the gravity of the lyrics.
This is why “My Savior’s Precious Blood” by West Coast Revival is one my favorite songs on the atonement.
When the force of God’s wrath toward Christ on the cross is not considered a significant aspect of the atonement, this means, by implication, that God was not that angry with my sin. What is often forgotten in this discussion is that the wrath of God toward Christ was not intended for Christ, it was intended for me. What makes the cross of Christ glorious is not just the transfer of guilt, but the re-direction of wrath away from me and toward Christ. When the wrath of God toward Christ is minimized, so is the anger of God toward my sin. A low view of penal substitution is a soft view of sin. God is not soft on sin. God was not soft on Christ. As a result of Christ’s atoning death, “I’ve received what Christ has earned and Christ received what I deserved.” That’s a wonderful lyric. This is good theology that makes me love Jesus more.
You can find West Coast Revival, no longer touring, here. Their limited discography is offered through Sovereign Grace Ministries and is available in iTunes. “My Saviors Precious Blood” is the fifth cut on their co-album, “Fuse”.
My Savior’s Precious Blood
My savior’s blood is all I need.
There is no other sacrifice,
That is required.
For He became my righteousness
When in love, He suffered willingly,
On the cross where He bore the wrath of God
And in my place was lifted up to die;
And through His death He gave me life;
My Savior’s precious blood
My Savior’s precious blood
One sacrifice completely paid,
For all the sin that I had done
Against my God.
Now I’ve received what Christ has earned
And Christ received what I deserved.
On the cross where He bore the wrath of God
And in my place was lifted up to die;
And through His death He gave me life;
My Savior’s precious blood
My Savior’s precious blood
You’ve taken all my sin and shame
Thank You for pouring out Your grace
For pouring out Your grace on me.
© 2005 Nap Records
From FUSE, released February 1, 2006
Words and Music by Jonathan Baird and Ryan Baird
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