Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:16-17).
This Bible passage stands on the page facing the first hymn in The Lutheran Hymnal. The strongest hymns will not only be based on the truths of God’s Word, but will contain clear biblical references that help the faithful rehearse again and again those truths. Such hymns put into their mouths what has first been put into their ears. Clear allusions to the Word of God echo from throughout hymnody that is biblically rich.
It is not the fact that it is possible to misunderstand or interpret the text in a way which is contrary to Scripture and the Confessions which would cause a hymn to be excluded, but whether such a misrepresentation is likely. Neither would hymns be included because it is possible to read a text with “Lutheran eyes” — a type of corrective vision. In matters of the church’s practice, clarity of doctrine is of paramount importance so as to not mislead.
In this light, we may rightly choose to reject hymns which have become closely associated with practices and traditions which are antithetical to the Gospel, such as altar calls. If the singing of certain hymns has the effect of blurring distinctions between the orthodox confession of the faith and heterodox beliefs, we are obliged to abstain.
God’s Word is Our Great Heritage
God’s Word is our great heritage
And shall be ours forever;
To spread its light from age to age
Shall be our chief endeavor.
Through life it guides our way,
In death it is our stay.
Lord, grant while worlds endure,
We keep its teachings pure
Throughout all generations.
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