Apr 5, 2015

For the Church: Singing No More the Grave

4 Min Read

"No More the Grave," from Glory to the Holy One gives doxological expression to the benefits of Christ's resurrection. Stanza one presents historical facts which testify to Christ's resurrection. The remainder provides substantive doctrinal food for thought which loosely resembles the Heidelberg Catechism 45 in its thematic sequence. "First, by His resurrection He has overcome death, so that He might make us share in the righteousness He won for us by His death. Second, by His power we too are already now resurrected to a new life. Third, Christ's resurrection is a guarantee of our glorious resurrection."

Partakers in Christ's victory. "No more the grave can yield its sting, no more is death our foe." Christ is victorious; death is conquered! His atoning sacrifice was accepted by the Father, who gave the righteous Son of God authority (Ephesians 1:22) to deliver His people from death (1 Corinthians 15:54-57) and justify us before the Father (Romans 4:25). "Now gone all curse and woe."

Present participation. "The mortal parts, immortal comes….Eternal life to start." In Christ, our eternal life is a present enjoyment (Romans 6:5-11). We were raised with Christ in new birth (1 Peter 1:3). In His power "Corruption flees our hearts" and sin no longer has dominion over us.

Pledge for the future. "He once was dead but now He lives, a groom now fit to wed." The Groom, "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Corinthians 15:20), awakens, beautifies, and prepares His bride for the marriage supper (Revelation 19:7-9). His resurrection is a pledge of His beloved's transformed, resurrected bodies (1 Corinthians 6:14) and eternal citizenship in His presence (Philippians 3:20-21).

Indeed, "Our souls can now with gladness sing." The Lord of life is risen; The Savior is accepted by the Father; The Groom is prepared; The Alpha and Omega reigns!

Lyrics

The stone rolled clear, a grave so bare
The women filled with fear
The Lord of life, an empty tomb
No Savior lying there

Refrain
No more the grave can yield its sting
No more is death our foe
Our souls can now with gladness sing
Now gone all curse and woe

The mortal parts, immortal comes
Corruption flees our hearts
Our death is His, His life is ours
Eternal life to start

Refrain

He once was dead but now He lives
A groom now fit to wed
The Alpha and Omega reigns
Beginning to the end

Refrain

Experience Glory to the Holy One Today

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