In Christ Alone

“In Christ Alone” by Stuart Townend, Keith Getty, and Kristyn Getty has quickly become a favorite worship song around the world. After receiving the melody from Keith, Stuart immediately felt it had an “eternal, enduring aspect.” He thought the lyrics should be about “Jesus’ life, death and resurrection and what that means for us.” Stuart says the power of the song “points to what Christ went through. We get to stand before him not because of our great faith or because we are doing well as a Christian, but purely and simply because of what he has done. That’s why the song is helpful. That’s why it means something.”

The women in today’s text were physically present during the powerful experience described in “In Christ Alone.” Mary Magdalene and Mary, Jesus’ mother, along with others, witnessed Jesus’ arrest, torture, and crucifixion. Scorned by the ones He came to save. On this day, when they returned to the place where His body lay, they were met by something extraordinary. The grave was open; the body was gone.

A messenger from God shared news they could hardly believe, “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay” (v. 6). What an extraordinary moment that must have been when their grief turned to astonishment, replaced by excitement and joy. The text describes their response, “afraid yet filled with joy” (v. 8). They hurried to tell the disciples.

Imagine their further astonishment when “Suddenly Jesus met them” (v. 9). The women saw Jesus face to face, worshiping at His feet as He stood beside them. As He stands in victory, sin’s curse has lost its grip on me. For I am His and He is mine, bought with the precious blood of Christ.

>> Music has a powerful effect on our lives. What is one of your favorite hymns or worship songs? Why does it resonate with you? Read the lyrics and explore the biblical truths behind its words.

Pray with Us

Lord, as we read today’s Scripture, we share the amazement and joy of the women at the empty grave. We pray that the words of the angel, “He is not here; he is risen,” will always retain their freshness and miraculous power in our lives.

BY Dr. Chris Rappazini

Dr. Chris Rappazini believes “the Bible is still relevant, leadership is essential, and the Church’s best days are still ahead.” Chris is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, the University of Edinburgh, and Gonzaga University. He served as Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children now reside in North Carolina.