Bible outlook

There were many great composers who lived during the post renaissance era that took place in Western Europe. They wrote hymns to promote gospel teaching and to celebrate the Protestant Reformation. Some of the most well-known musicians were Isaac Watts, Charles Wesley, George Handel, and many others who wrote pieces that would be compiled into hymnals, played throughout churches, and performed in cathedrals.

Isaac Watts began composing music in the early 18th century. These pieces included Alas! and Did My Savior Bleed, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, and Come, Let Us Join Our Cheerful Songs. His music tells how short we have fallen from him as we examine ourselves as creatures of sin. Thanks be to God; our maker has sent his son for us so that we can rise again with him. Since he shed his blood on the cross for us, there is nothing more we need to obtain in this world except for the richness of his blessing. In his piece When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, we read:

How the Prince of glory has died, and he who pours out contempt on the pride of the earth, will all become shaken. Unless they discover his amazing love, he will demand all souls to recognize his divinity, as they see that his thorns have become a rich crown.

Jesus is worthy to receive
Honor and pow’r divine;
And blessings more than we can give
Be, Lord, forever Thine.
Let all that dwell above the sky,
And air and earth and seas,
Conspire to lift Thy glories high,
And speak Thine endless praise!

Charles Wesley (who was a younger brother of John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Church) wrote over 6000 hymns spanning throughout England and North America, including Love Divine and Christ the Lord is Risen Today. Blessed be the Name of the Lord is another piece that tells how he can make the foulest clean, bringing spiritual deliverance for people to break the power of their iniquities. He cancels out their sins and gives peace to the world for those who seek him diligently.

Wesley also composed a hymn called Come, Thou Almighty King, and it emphasizes his sovereign majesty being revealed at his return. This piece gives comfort to people who are searching for his presence by gladdening their hearts before the final hour. He gives defense for those who hear his calling by protecting them with the holy spirit.

Christ the Lord is Risen Today celebrates his redeeming work that gives him praise. It speaks about how God has fought the fight for us and has won the battle; he has taken away the sting of death from our lives; he has defeated Satan; and therefore, he will open up the heavens.

George Handel was one of the most popular composers who ever lived. He composed only three hymn tunes, including O God, Thy Power is Wonderful, For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given, and Antioch. But he became more of a musician by learning to play different instruments, such as the keyboard and organ, the violin and cello, and others that were used to perform classical music of the day. Instead of spending more of his time writing hymns, he worked on other types of music that were used for concertos and oratorios that played at royal festivals and large gatherings.

Handel was an important figure after the reformation period that influenced many other people to write music in different genres. However, the hymns that he did write were very significant by leading others to compose gospel-centered music throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Hymns were another way to exalt and honor God to bring forth the message that he sent to us for those in need of him.

They cover a large ground of gospel teaching — including the redemption we have in Christ who overcame our sin — that is, by the power of his blood. As satan wages war in our lives, these hymns can help us to understand his protection over us against evil. Hymns can also bring hope, healing, and spiritual strength because they do pertain to the gospel. They are not drawn up from other resources but are solely based on scripture using methods that contain its basic meaning. Most hymns critique what the gospel message is about so that people can perceive it to grow their faith. The more you read through many of them, the greater you can rely on what it says since they are an adaptation to what it implies.

For example, Barney Warren, who was another composer of various hymns, tells the meaning behind his work:

How we must be strong in faith by trusting in his name; he will keep you from unbelief and protect you from danger as we cross the stormy sea. He will hold you in the hollow of his hand and shield you from all sinful leaven.

Here are some portions of how it can instruct others:

Blow the gospel trumpet, brother, over land and sea,
Sound the news to all creation, Christ will set you free;
He will break the chains of bondage, let the tidings sound,
He is able, do not doubt Him, let His grace abound.

Salvation, oh, glory! its rapture I feel—
A current of heavenly bliss;
My soul is delighted, I cannot conceal
The deep-seated joy I possess.

born September 29, 1989