In Christ Alone

MercyMe sings “In Christ Alone,” the modern hymn written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend. It begins with the confession that hope is found only in Christ, who is described as light, strength and song, “this Cornerstone, this solid ground, firm through the fiercest drought and storm.” The verse closes with a statement of where the singer stands: in the love of Christ.

The second verse follows the life of Jesus, the fullness of God in a helpless baby who was scorned by the people he came to save. At the cross, “the wrath of God was satisfied,” and every sin was laid on him, so the singer can say, “Here in the death of Christ I live.” The third verse turns to the tomb, noting the body in the ground and the light of the world slain by darkness, then bursting forth in glorious day. The curse of sin loses its grip on those who belong to him. The final verse is about security: no guilt in life, no fear in death, and no power of hell or scheme of man can pluck the believer from his hand until he returns or calls them home. The song is a creed set to music and has been sung by many churches.

Christ as the only foundation is 1 Corinthians 3:11. No one snatching from his hand is John 10:28, and the record of sin nailed to the cross is Colossians 2:14.