17 Aug GS 2010 art 128

Posted at 14:23h in CanRC, GS 2010 by

GS 2010 Article 128 – Hymn: Since Our Great High Priest, Christ Jesus

1.          Material

  • 1.1        Letters from Attercliffe (8.3.J.25), Carman East (8.3.J.3), Neerlandia (8.3.J.23), and Willoughby Heights (8.3.J.24).
  • 1.2       SCBP Report, Section Four, 10.3.II.7 (8.2.j).

2.          Observations

  • 2.1        This hymn is about the ascension and high priestly ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ.
  • 2.2        Some of the churches objected that the subject is already well covered in the existing hymn section.
  • 2.3        Some of the churches objected that it is not proper to speak about Christ as our friend (fourth stanza, second line).
  • 2.4        One church objected that there are some obscure expressions (Guideline 5).
  • 2.5       One church objected that the musical range is too great (Guideline 11).

3.         Considerations

  • 3.1        The ascension of Christ is so central and significant for his work of salvation that it is good to have several songs on the subject.
  • 3.2        This hymn is clearly based on Hebrews 1:3-4, 4:14-16, 12:2.
  • 3.3        The Lord Jesus speaks of his disciples as his friends (John 15:15). See also James 2:23. It seems logical that we may also speak of him as our “Friend.”
  • 3.4        The “obscure expressions” referred to by one of the churches are expressions that are scripturally sound, as indicated by the ad hoc committee’s considerations on this concern.
  • 3.5        The ad hoc committee addressed the issue of the musical range, and indicates that though the 10 note range of the melody may make it difficult for some to sing, it is quite learnable.

4.          Recommendation

That Synod decide to approve the Hymn Since Our Great High Priest, Christ Jesus for inclusion in the expanded hymn section of the Book of Praise as recommended by the SCBP.

ADOPTED

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