Songs and Hymns

I believe one of the best ways we can draw a contrast between the Churches of Christ and evangelical Christianity is to compare lyrics of each one’s beloved songs and hymns.

For although both views enjoy most of the same great Christian songs and hymns, the Churches of Christ may be surprised to learn that some of their songs would actually be considered heretical in evangelical Christianity.

Now I realize that’s quite an accusation to make.

And may I say that I do not make it in a reckless, flippant, or cavalier manner.

But to demonstrate what I mean, let’s take a moment to look at a few of the songs that are easily recognized in the Churches of Christ, and then consider why they would not be accepted in evangelical Christianity.

A Beautiful Life  

Each day I’ll do a golden deed,
By helping those who are in need;
My life on earth is but a span,
And so I’ll do the best I can.

Chorus: Life’s evening sun is sinking low,
A few more days and I must go.
To meet the deeds that I have done.
Where there will be no setting sun.

To be a child of God each day,
My light must shine a-long the way;
I’ll sing His praise while ages roll
And strive to help some troubled soul.

The only life that will endure,
Is the one that’s kind and good and pure;
And so for God I’ll take my stand,
Each day I’ll lend a helping hand.

(Traditional/ Public Domain)

At first glance we may not see anything amiss or wrong with this song.

Certainly both the Churches of Christ and evangelical Christianity believes that God has called us to live holy lives that glorify and honor Him.

However if we take a second look, not only is Pelagian theology being taught in that -if we can just live a “good enough” life- we can expect to have a home forever in heaven, no where does it ever mention the gospel and what the Lord Jesus Christ has done for us!

For unless you argue the phrase “and so for God I’ll take my stand,” no where does it ever tell us that salvation is a gift of God, brought to us by Christ, and received by faith.

I’ll Be List’ning

When the Savior calls I will answer,
When He calls for me I will hear,
When the Savior calls I will answer,
I’ll be somewhere list’ning for my name.

Chorus: I’ll be somewhere list’ning
I’ll be somewhere list’ning,
I’ll be somewhere list’ning for my name.
      (Repeat )

If my heart is right when He calls me,
If my heart is right I will hear,
If my heart is right when He calls me,
I’ll be somewhere list’ning for my name.

If my robe is white when He calls me,
If my robe is white I will hear,
If my robe is white when He calls me,
I’ll be somewhere list’ning for my name.