Singing through Romans: Singing Theology

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Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Col. 3:16

Magnificent Rome! It is one of the great cities of the world — boasting a spectacular past and an impressive present. It is home of some of the central figures of military might, artistic expression, and religious fervor. Perched on the top of seven hills with the Tiber River flowing through its midst, it is a city like no other.

For followers of Christ, its significance is much more than its people or piazzas. For us it is the recipient of the most profound expressions of our faith — Romans. There is no greater exposition of the central truths of the righteousness of God and his mercy than this letter of Paul. As someone commented, it is as solid, durable, reliable, unshakable, and thorough as the truth can get.

Although it was written in the first century, it is still pertinent today. Over the passage of time, the human condition has not changed nor has the eternal truth of God’s salvation; “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life.” 

Among many Christians Romans is their favorite letter of Paul. Perhaps some of his most quoted passages come from its pages.

  • I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes. 1:6
  • Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 5:1
  • Hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. 5:5
  • God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 5:8
  • Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 8:1
  • And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 8:28
  • In all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 8:37-39

Although I have written one Daily Insight series based on Romans, I am returning to it. This time with a different approach. I would like to invite you to join with me in singing our way through Romans. Do you love the great hymns of the faith? “Amazing Grace,” “I Surrender All,” and “Living for Jesus?” Then you will thoroughly enjoy this series! Each Daily Insight will move from the theology of Romans to a magnificent hymn of the church reflecting that theme. Each week, you will be invite to sing the theology of Paul! It does not get much better than this!

So, let’s gather around the piano* with Paul’s epistle in hand, and sing our way through Romans!      

O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim,
to spread thro' all the earth abroad
the honors of your name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
that bids our sorrows cease,
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life and health and peace.

~Charles Wesley