Our Worship & Us Part I (Let’s sing unto the Lord a new song.)
Revelation 5:9-10 (NKJV)
9 And they sang a new song, saying:”You are worthy to take the scroll,and to open its seals;For You were slain,and have redeemed us to God by Your bloodout of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,10 And have made us kings and priests to our God;and we shall reign on the earth.”
It is not uncommon to hear this phrase used during the times of praise in Christian gatherings and most of the time, the worship leader is either referring literally to a newly composed song or singing inspired words via utterance. Either way, the contents of the “new song” in Revelation 5:9-10 are documented word for word.
A “new song” is actually a New Testament song. It speaks of what Christ has done; how that He alone was worthy to pay the ransom that set man free (vs. 9), how that He was slain and redeemed man back to God by His blood (vs. 9), how by so doing, He has made us kings and priests to the Father (vs. 10) and how that we will reign on the Earth through Him! (vs. 10). A New Testament song speaks of the work of Christ in salvation and its resultant effects! Jesus is the focus of such songs. They speak of what He has done, what He is doing & what He will yet do in the Earth through His Bride, the Church. Salvation in Christ is the GREATEST working of the Father, NOTHING brings glory to Him more than what He did in His Son for man!
Observe that this “new” song, just like the New Testament, is “new” in relation to the Old. The characteristics of the Old reflected in their words and in their songs e.g. asking for forgiveness (Exodus 34:9, Numbers 14:9), cleansing (Psalm 51:10), begging not to be cast away (Psalm 51:11), asking for deliverance (Psalm 55:14, Psalm 86:2) etc. But in the New, what Christ has done influences our words & songs: Forgiveness of sins, which is a release from all the consequences of sin, is ours now (Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 1:14, Colossians 2:13), we have the New Birth (John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:23), we have been delivered from the devil’s authority (Colossians 1:13), we have the gift of the Spirit (Romans 8:9, 14-16, Gal. 3:14, 1 Corin. 3:16, 1 Corin. 6:19), we have received eternal life (John 3:16, 1 John 5:11-13, John 5:24, 39, Titus 1:2-3, 2 Timothy 1:9-10), we have the gift of Righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:17, Romans 3:21-22), we are holy, called Saints (1 Corinthians 1:30, Ephesians 1:18, 1 Corin. 6:11), we have the power of God resident within (Ephesians 1:19, 3:20), we have the things of the Spirit ready for use at all times (1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-11, 29), we have the Spirit’s fruits (Romans 14:17, Gal. 5:22-23), we have received Sonship (Romans 8:14, 1 John 3:1), we have the Name of Jesus as ours (Phil. 2:9-11, Acts 4:12, Mark 16:17, Hebrews 1:4), we have all authority, His authority (Matthew 28:18-20, Ephesians 2:6), we will NEVER be cast away! (John 6:37). The wordings all stem from the New Testament and its clauses.
The Revelation 5:9-10 song has set a pattern for what a New Testament song should contain. Such songs (should) carry the VERY elements of our Christian faith, all Christ has done for us and in us, His present day ministry, His power, His Name, the move of the Spirit. We are not to be emotional about our songs of praise i.e look for songs that tickle our fancy, excite, fast beats, without any focus on Christ’s work. This shouldn’t be! I bless God for His gifts to us in these days who are committed to sing the Gospel and NOTHING else, some of which are Hillsong, Bethel Music, New Creation Church Worship & Love world’s Sinach. And we trust God, more Christocentric musicians will arise in these days who will teach Christ and Him alone in their songs. It will happen! Let’s sing to the Lord a new song! Blessed!
© Josh Banks Ministries. 2018.
