Hello Pastor Lewis! This is a fascinating article. I’m wondering how we should categorize the New Testament passages that are often identified as hymns, given their poetic structure (Philippians 2:6-11, Colossians 1:13-20, 1 Timothy 3:16, Revelation 5:9-10). It’s interesting that the early church included these passages, along with the Psalms, in their corporate recitations.
I love the Psalms, and love our heritage of exclusive Psalmody. I wonder about these passages though. Their Christological focus highlights the reason for the simplicity of New Testament worship; Christ has been revealed. They seem to have a particular relevance in our dispensation, in contrast with (still glorious) Psalms that speak of worship with incense, sacrificial offerings, priests, instruments, and the like.
I’d be interested to know your thoughts on these passages, the early church’s use of them (seemingly similar to the Psalms), and how to better appreciate the OT specific aspects of the Psalms.
Bryce! Good to hear fromvyou. These are excellent questions.
I share your appreciation for the poetic richness of those New Testament passages. They are majestic in their Christology and structure. The key question, however, is not whether these texts are profound, beautiful, or even liturgically shaped, but whether they have been given to the church as songs for public praise. The RPW guides us here. Not every doctrinally rich or poetic portion of Scripture is thereby rendered suitable for sung worship. The Psalms hold a unique place in being not only inspired and doctrinal but inspired as songs, specifically for the church’s praise. This much we know.
With regard to the early church, it’s true that certain passages like those in Philippians or Colossians were recited or memorized in catechetical or creedal settings. But their use does not automatically equate to them being sung congregationally in worship. The evidence for early exclusive Psalmody is far stronger and more continuous, extending from the synagogue to the apostolic age and deep into the patristic era. Even Athanasius and Basil and especially Augustin, immersed themselves in the glories of Christ, and speak of the Psalms as sufficient and uniquely ordained for praise.
As for the Old Testament elements you mentioned, incense, sacrifices, instruments, priesthood etc, they point to a different administration, yes, but the Psalms themselves were never limited to temple liturgy. Many arose in tents, caves, fields, and exile. They contain within them the very voice of Christ (Heb. 2:12), and by the Spirit, the church sings them now in light of His fulfillment. When rightly understood, they are not shadows but rather revelations to be re-sung with unveiled face.
I agree with you that these questions are vital for appreciating the Psalms rightly. Thanks for helping the conversation move deeper.
Pastor Lewis - thank you for writing this. It is passionate and well argued, and may the Lord bless it to preserve the pure worship of his name and the excellency of singing the psalms within the FRC for generations to come.
I do, too! I'm doing it now. Just not in the public worship service.
I do love, listen to, and sing the old hymns. However I do understand the wisdom and right of keeping the Psalters as our church worship. Thank you!
Hello Pastor Lewis! This is a fascinating article. I’m wondering how we should categorize the New Testament passages that are often identified as hymns, given their poetic structure (Philippians 2:6-11, Colossians 1:13-20, 1 Timothy 3:16, Revelation 5:9-10). It’s interesting that the early church included these passages, along with the Psalms, in their corporate recitations.
I love the Psalms, and love our heritage of exclusive Psalmody. I wonder about these passages though. Their Christological focus highlights the reason for the simplicity of New Testament worship; Christ has been revealed. They seem to have a particular relevance in our dispensation, in contrast with (still glorious) Psalms that speak of worship with incense, sacrificial offerings, priests, instruments, and the like.
I’d be interested to know your thoughts on these passages, the early church’s use of them (seemingly similar to the Psalms), and how to better appreciate the OT specific aspects of the Psalms.
Thanks!
Bryce! Good to hear fromvyou. These are excellent questions.
I share your appreciation for the poetic richness of those New Testament passages. They are majestic in their Christology and structure. The key question, however, is not whether these texts are profound, beautiful, or even liturgically shaped, but whether they have been given to the church as songs for public praise. The RPW guides us here. Not every doctrinally rich or poetic portion of Scripture is thereby rendered suitable for sung worship. The Psalms hold a unique place in being not only inspired and doctrinal but inspired as songs, specifically for the church’s praise. This much we know.
With regard to the early church, it’s true that certain passages like those in Philippians or Colossians were recited or memorized in catechetical or creedal settings. But their use does not automatically equate to them being sung congregationally in worship. The evidence for early exclusive Psalmody is far stronger and more continuous, extending from the synagogue to the apostolic age and deep into the patristic era. Even Athanasius and Basil and especially Augustin, immersed themselves in the glories of Christ, and speak of the Psalms as sufficient and uniquely ordained for praise.
As for the Old Testament elements you mentioned, incense, sacrifices, instruments, priesthood etc, they point to a different administration, yes, but the Psalms themselves were never limited to temple liturgy. Many arose in tents, caves, fields, and exile. They contain within them the very voice of Christ (Heb. 2:12), and by the Spirit, the church sings them now in light of His fulfillment. When rightly understood, they are not shadows but rather revelations to be re-sung with unveiled face.
I agree with you that these questions are vital for appreciating the Psalms rightly. Thanks for helping the conversation move deeper.
Pastor Lewis - thank you for writing this. It is passionate and well argued, and may the Lord bless it to preserve the pure worship of his name and the excellency of singing the psalms within the FRC for generations to come.