In the desire to relate to the contemporary world some churches have adjusted their music. The transition away from hymns often results in a “worship war.” In the search for relevant music the church must not lose the opportunity to communicate truth through music. Content is more important than style, assuming the style is understandable.

Music is a great vehicle for theology; Ephesians 1:3-14 is an example. This scripture is a hymn of praise consisting of three stanzas, each followed by the refrain “to the praise of His glory.” The hymn praises God for what He has done for us, how these blessings are bestowed and why they are given. Praise God for His glory!

Praise God for the preparation of our salvation (vv.3-6)

“He chose us . . . predestined us to adoption as sons” are phrases from the deep mine of God’s eternal plan. They describe God’s initiative in our salvation; in eternity He chose a way and set a boundary for all that would come to eternal life.

New Testament Theologian Frank Stagg said of this passage, “One is strangely insensitive to the throb and pulse of the whole New Testament if he thinks that each man’s fate is determined in advance. This is not a “rigged” television show. God is not playing with toys or manipulating gadgets; He is seeking men who stand in an awesome freedom where they may accept or reject the salvation which God alone can offer.” Praise God for the preparation of our salvation.

Praise God for the presentation of our salvation (vv. 3-8, 13)

How is this gracious gift accomplished? God presents His grace in the gift of Jesus Christ. “In Christ” is found ten times in eleven verses. The blessings of salvation have been designed for those who are in fellowship with Christ. Christ died for our sins and all who come to Him in repentance and faith are presented the gift of abundant life. Can it be said of you, “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (v.13). God’s gift of gracious love has been presented. Take the gift of grace!

The landscape of church history bears witness to division and acrimonious debate over the paradox of God’s sovereignty and humanity’s free will. “Who has known the mind of the Lord?” (Rom. 11:34). All attempts at explanation fall short of the mystery. Praise and witness glorify Him the most.

Praise God for the privileges of our salvation (vv. 3-14)

We have a new relationship; we are adopted as sons. In the context of his day Paul may have in mind a slave redeemed from bondage and made a son. By this adoption through the new birth we receive the privileges, blessings and responsibilities of a natural born son (Gal. 4:4-6). We develop a new character, “holy and blameless before Him” (v.4).

It is a cop-out for anyone to plea, “I’m as good a Christian as he is.” The standard is Christ and we will one day stand accountable to Him. Our lives are to reflect the character of Christ, to the praise of His glory, until in glory we receive the final inheritance.

An anonymous writer penned the fifth verse to John Newton’s superb hymn, Amazing Grace.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise

Than when we first begun.

Sing praise to God’s glory!

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