I like the majesty of this type of hymn and applaud the work of Higher Things. The one thing I'm puzzled by, though, is why they "leave Christ on the cross." I was taught in the LCMS that the reason our crosses do not have Jesus on them is that he rose from the dead and did not remain on the cross. So we celebrate His resurrection by the empty cross.
It's not explicitly commanded one way or the other in scripture. In fact, scripture doesn't even mention having the cross in church. When someone insists that scripture requires an action that it doesn't require, we are obligated to do the opposite. I would point to Paul's letters where he says, "I preach Christ crucified..." as a good reason (but not a mandate) to have the crucifix in the church.
That's a contemporary American- and Reformed- rationalization, often found among Lutherans influenced by Reformed Protestantism and Pietism. Actually, the cross would be just as empty if Christ had rotted in the tomb. The real issues are two related differences between Lutheranism and the rest of Protestantism: our teaching about the relationship between the human and the divine natures of Christ, and our belief in the Real Presence. Both of these are historically symbolized by the body of Jesus on the cross, and for that reason rejected by the Reformed brand of Protestantism that dominates in America. And then, of course, there's the fear of anything that appears to be "too Catholic!" Another reason why Lutherans traditionally use the crucifix is our emphasis on the theology of the cross rather than a theology of glory. Our redemption happened on Good Friday; once Jesus called out "It is finished," the victory was won. Easter was "in the bag," so to speak. The cross, not glory and naked power, continues to be the way God works in this world and in our lives. Most Protestantism is uncomfortable with that; it's in a hurry to get to the glory of Easter. But for us, it's in weakness that God's power is shown. The cross is our salvation and our redemption; it's in Christ's death that sin and death were conquered and our resurrection assured. That, again, is a uniquely Lutheran emphasis the surrounding culture doesn't share. The Lutheran Church in Germany never stopped using the crucifix, and fortunately, it's making a comeback even among American Lutherans.
Couldn’t be more proud to have been there to participate in this service. Still gives me goosebumps
WONDERFUL PERFORMANCE.
This one brings me to tears. WOW! What a great arrangement.
An underrated hymn. Keep making these videos!
💜 thank you!
Beautiful hymn ... incredible words. Pr. Stephen Starke is blessed.
I've worshipped in that great Chapel at Valparaiso university
I'm so excited for next year! It's weird to think that this was already a couple of months ago.
I like the majesty of this type of hymn and applaud the work of Higher Things. The one thing I'm puzzled by, though, is why they "leave Christ on the cross." I was taught in the LCMS that the reason our crosses do not have Jesus on them is that he rose from the dead and did not remain on the cross. So we celebrate His resurrection by the empty cross.
It's not explicitly commanded one way or the other in scripture. In fact, scripture doesn't even mention having the cross in church. When someone insists that scripture requires an action that it doesn't require, we are obligated to do the opposite.
I would point to Paul's letters where he says, "I preach Christ crucified..." as a good reason (but not a mandate) to have the crucifix in the church.
I grew up LCMS -- I was not taught that the crucifix was bad. Jesus died and was resurrected for all sinners.
That's a contemporary American- and Reformed- rationalization, often found among Lutherans influenced by Reformed Protestantism and Pietism. Actually, the cross would be just as empty if Christ had rotted in the tomb.
The real issues are two related differences between Lutheranism and the rest of Protestantism: our teaching about the relationship between the human and the divine natures of Christ, and our belief in the Real Presence. Both of these are historically symbolized by the body of Jesus on the cross, and for that reason rejected by the Reformed brand of Protestantism that dominates in America. And then, of course, there's the fear of anything that appears to be "too Catholic!"
Another reason why Lutherans traditionally use the crucifix is our emphasis on the theology of the cross rather than a theology of glory. Our redemption happened on Good Friday; once Jesus called out "It is finished," the victory was won. Easter was "in the bag," so to speak. The cross, not glory and naked power, continues to be the way God works in this world and in our lives. Most Protestantism is uncomfortable with that; it's in a hurry to get to the glory of Easter. But for us, it's in weakness that God's power is shown. The cross is our salvation and our redemption; it's in Christ's death that sin and death were conquered and our resurrection assured. That, again, is a uniquely Lutheran emphasis the surrounding culture doesn't share.
The Lutheran Church in Germany never stopped using the crucifix, and fortunately, it's making a comeback even among American Lutherans.
A better symbol, in my opinion, would be the Resurrected Christ with the Cross behind Him.
What are the Lyrics? Cannot find them anywhere because of Copyright.
Beautiful hymn and recording - thanks for posting these! (not a fan of the swipe-reveal on the text though; it's a bit distracting ;) )
We've not superimposed the hymn texts before but added them this year by popular request. Would you find a cut or fade less distracting?
I like having the text; that was a good idea! I think a cut or fade appearance of the text lines would be less jarring though, yes.
Either way is fine. I like the producer of the video to provide the words and not youtube.
Um not a good hymn
Why do think that?