Years ago, I read a book that asked why we use so many metaphors for what happened at the cross. We say that sins were forgiven, covered, pardoned, that Christ was a lamb, a sacrifice, a substitution, that we were redeemed, rescued, ransomed. The author asked which one of these was actually correct and why do we continue to use the rest of them. It has bothered me ever since.
I started writing a song a couple of years ago, and the first four lines went:
Glory to our great redeemer
Spotless Lamb for sinners slain
My pardon purchased, my ransom paid
Glory, glory to His name
Oh no! I used four different metaphors just in the beginning of this song! And it paralyzed me. I have put so much emphasis on correct theology that I didn’t want to write something that was wrong. So I put the song on the backburner and left it there.
To catch you up on my life a bit, I have been pursuing a Master’s at Dallas Theological Seminary. In my time there, I took a class on soteriology with Dr. Scott Horrell. In an assignment, Dr. Horrell led us through many different biblical passages explaining what happened at the cross. It turns out we use all those metaphors because they’re all in the Bible!
The more I thought about it, the more sense it made. One simple human metaphor would not be able to describe God’s plan to redeem all of mankind. So instead God painted a beautiful picture, each metaphor another brushstroke helping understand what He has done for us. He is all of these things to us, doing all these things for us, remaking us in all of these ways.
The song was pretty easy to complete after that. And I’m glad I finally get to share it with you. It’s out on iTunes today (Friday, April 7) along with a chance to pre-order the new compilation record. More on that later. Here’s where you can find the song: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/from-grace-to-glory-the-music-of-todd-agnew/id1220606838.
Come back and let me know what you think. I hope it enables your worship and your gratitude for all Christ did on the cross.
Todd
P.S. Apparently, this link will take you to a page that tells you about the record. From there, you have to click the “View in iTunes” button to purchase. If you get the “not available in U.S.” message, it means that it is not yet available to stream through Apple Music. We will also be posting a lyric video on YouTube soon. Thank you.
Todd, the link is still not working in Safari, but it does work in Chrome. I don’t know about the other browsers. I pulled up your website in both browsers, but only Chrome worked. The Safari link takes you to iTunes, but it gives the same error message from earlier today about not being available in the U.S.
Thanks brother. I appreciate what God is doing through you. Good word on metaphors. Jesus used metaphors, allegory, and He also spoke plainly and directly too. Theology is beautiful. God blesses us with people as yourself, to put His deep doctrine into beautiful lyrics. Thank you for never compromising biblical truth just to crank out a tune.
Praying for you! Stay strong and look unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith.
Ben
Got it in Chrome, awesome, love your music brother!
They are getting close – supposed to be fixed next week.
Todd,
I’m really excited for this new album. It seems you have compiled many of the great songs, with some additions!
I was recently hoping that you would put out more songs, so we can be blessed by the gift God has given you!
Hope you are very well!
Blessings to you and yours!
~ Lisa from Canada 🙂