The Heidelberg Catechism begins with a simple and foundational question: “What is your only comfort in life and death?” This is the heart of human pursuit. Yet, so often we settle for comforts that fall through and don’t satisfy, finding security in our finances, relationships, families, homes, and healthcare systems. In this unique time of uncertainty surrounding Covid-19, this question is front and center on the hearts of every single person on earth, whether they know it or not. We’re watching the world change in front of our eyes, health care systems struggling to stay ahead of the curve, families buckling down for massive social, financial, and medical turmoil, and communities trying to make sense of it all. Where is one to find hope?
Amidst what is, no doubt, and global crisis, there is but only one truth unshaken: the Lord reigns! And from this very fact, so many wonderful promises flow: He upholds the universe by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3), nothing ever happens outside of God’s sovereign decree (Isaiah 46:8-11), He has numbered everyone of our days (Psalm 139:16), and no power, ruler, illness, or virus can ever snatch God’s people from His hand (John 10:28-30) or separate us from His love (Romans 8:38-39). Because central to all of Scripture and History is the answer to Heidelberg catechism question #1:
That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil. He also preserves me in such a way that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head; indeed, all things must work together for my salvation. Therefore, by His Holy Spirit He also assures me of eternal life and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for Him.
The song, “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death”, is truly a gracious gift of the Lord’s providence. Two years in the making, this song releases today, Friday March 20, when every heart is clamoring for hope. Where will we find it? In God made flesh, Christ our Savior and Sustainer. I am thankful for the Lord’s work in stirring the hearts of these songwriters two years ago to equip the church to declare where our hope is found to our own hearts, to each other, and to the world around us. Yes, we live in godly wisdom and prudence, but we place our hope in life in death in none other than the One who defeated death and raised to life, that we might do the same. Oh sing Hallelujah, our Hope springs eternal! Now and ever we confess Christ our hope in life and death!
- Jonathan
Key Scripture Passages:
Luke 24:6-7
Romans 14:7-9
1 Corinthians 15:19-22
1 Corinthians 1:4-9
Philippians 1:20-21
1 Thessalonians 4:17
Hebrews 1:1-14
1 Peter 2:4-7
Christ Our Hope in Life and Death
Written by Keith Getty, Matt Boswell, Jordan Kauflin, Matt Merker, Matt Papa
Lyrics:
Verse 1
What is our hope in life and death?
Christ alone, Christ alone.
What is our only confidence?
That our souls to him belong.
Who holds our days within his hand?
What comes, apart from his command?
And what will keep us to the end?
The love of Christ, in which we stand.
Chorus
O sing hallelujah!
Our hope springs eternal;
O sing hallelujah!
Now and ever we confess
Christ our hope in life and death.
Verse 2
What truth can calm the troubled soul?
God is good, God is good.
Where is his grace and goodness known?
In our great Redeemer’s blood.
Who holds our faith when fears arise?
Who stands above the stormy trial?
Who sends the waves that bring us nigh
Unto the shore, the rock of Christ?
Verse 3
Unto the grave, what shall we sing?
“Christ, he lives; Christ, he lives!”
And what reward will heaven bring?
Everlasting life with him.
There we will rise to meet the Lord,
Then sin and death will be destroyed,
And we will feast in endless joy,
When Christ is ours forevermore.
© 2020 Getty Music Publishing (BMI) / Messenger Hymns (BMI) / Jordan Kauflin Music (BMI) / Matthew Merker Music (BMI) / Getty Music Hymns and Songs (ASCAP) / Love Your Enemies Publishing (ASCAP) / adm at MusicServices.org