One True God

Jesus Christ is the one true God

One True God (lyrics here) by Steven Curtis Chapman is a truly unique song. Musically, it has the many qualities of a good song: a melody that is easy to sing and remember, interesting rhythmic changes, effective dynamics, strong emotive impact, and solid instrumentation. These are qualities that can be found in the songs of any good artist. The music, while very good, is not what makes this song unique. The uniqueness is captured by the lyrics.

Why are the lyrics so unique? The lyrics to this song capture not only Scriptural text, but also the writings of, at a minimum, St. Thomas Aquinas. No attempt will be made to fully delve into the many and deep interpretations of these lyrics. However, an effort will be made to expand upon them, as a guide to those who wish to look more deeply.

The first line of the first verse, "One voice in the dark," calls to mind Simeon's proclamation in the temple that Jesus is "a light for revelation to the Gentiles" (Lk 2:32), and Jesus's own statement that "I am the light of the world" (Jn 8:12). Jesus will bring light to those in darkness.

The following two lines in the first verse, "A song that lights up the stars, One breath that gives life" reflect upon the beginning of the Gospel of St. John: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" along with story of creation in Genesis. Jesus was present at the beginning and, as God created all with a word ("Let there be light"), creation was accomplished through Jesus.

The first verse continues, praising Jesus as One Lord One King. These lyrics reflect on the words of St. Paul "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, ... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Phil 2:10-11).

The refrain goes on to declare the Jesus is "The one that never changes". St Paul avers that "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb 13:8). In addition, St. Thomas Aquinas has explained the truth of why God never changes in the first section of his Summa Theologica (1, 2, 3, 4). (St. Thomas's explanation is too detailed to explain here.)

The second verse directs one's attention to Jesus's death on the cross as part of God's plan to save humanity from sin. Jesus is the savior, and was the sacrificial Lamb whose blood was shed to establish a new covenant between God and man. As mentioned above, Jesus is the light of the world, who calls us out of darkness. And, as God is love, Jesus is the embodiment of love here on earth.

There is so much in this song. More could be said, but that would take away from individual's efforts to study the song, Sacred Scriptures, and the writings of the saints to gain a fuller impact of these verses. This type of study can be taken as a challenge for the week, in the effort to deepen one's faith.

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