In Christ Alone
Stuart Townend
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In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song This Cornerstone, this solid Ground Firm through the fiercest drought and storm. What heights of love, what depths of peace When fears are stilled, when strivings cease My Comforter, my All in All Here in the love of Christ I stand. In Christ alone! - who took on flesh, Fullness of God in helpless babe. This gift of love and righteousness, Scorned by the ones He came to save Till on that cross as Jesus died, The wrath of God was satisfied For every sin on Him was laid Here in the death of Christ I live. There in the ground His body lay, Light of the world by darkness slain: Then bursting forth in glorious day Up from the grave He rose again And 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 No guilt in life, no fear in death, This is the power of Christ in me From life's first cry to final breath, Jesus commands my destiny No power of hell, no scheme of man, Can ever pluck me from His hand Till He returns or calls me home Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
Lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
23 facts about this song
Songwriting"In Christ Alone" was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, both of whom are prolific contemporary hymn writers. The song was first recorded by Michael English.
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Composition DateThe song was composed in 2001, quickly gaining popularity within and beyond the Christian music scene.
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Genre"In Christ Alone" falls into the Christian hymn genre, reflecting modern hymnody's style.
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LanguageThe song is primarily in English, contributing to its international appeal among English-speaking Christian communities.
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Cover VersionsMany notable Christian artists have recorded their renditions of "In Christ Alone," including Newsboys, Owl City, and Kristian Stanfill.
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Cultural ImpactThe song has been sung widely in many churches worldwide and is often included in modern hymnbooks.
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Music AwardsMichael English's recording of "In Christ Alone" earned him the Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year in 2004.
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Song ThemeThe hymn emphasizes the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, underlining the Christian belief in Christ's sacrificial love and ultimate victory over sin and death.
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Notable Performances"In Christ Alone" has been performed at significant Christian events, such as the Passion Conference and Billy Graham's crusades.
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ControversyDespite its popularity, the song has faced some controversy. The Presbyterian Church (USA) chose not to include it in their hymnal due to disagreements over a line in the second verse: "the wrath of God was satisfied." The song's authors did not agree to change the line.
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PopularityAccording to Christian Copyright Licensing International, "In Christ Alone" was the most-sung song in UK churches for a period of nine consecutive years from 2006–2014.
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Music StyleThe music composition of "In Christ Alone" follows a verse-chorus form typical of modern hymns, meant for congregational singing. It skillfully mixes anthemic power with melodic beauty, contributing to its enduring appeal.
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Inspirational ImpactOver the years, "In Christ Alone" has inspired other songwriters in the Christian music industry to explore the modern hymn genre, leading to a resurgence in hymn writing.
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ComposerThe song "In Christ Alone" was not actually written by Michael English, but was composed by Stuart Townend and Keith Getty. Michael English performed one of the popular renditions of the song.
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Year of Release"In Christ Alone" was initially released in 2001, quickly becoming popular among Christian worship communities.
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OriginsStuart Townend, a British songwriter renowned for his thoughtful approach to worship music, wrote the lyrics. His friend and frequent collaborator, Keith Getty, a Northern Irish composer, crafted the stirring melody.
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Cultural ImpactOver the last two decades, "In Christ Alone" has become a modern hymn and is regularly played in churches around the globe. It is featured in many hymn books and sung in numerous languages.
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AwardsThe song has won numerous awards. It was named by the Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) as the second most-sung worship song in the United States, and the third most popular in the United Kingdom, between 2005 and 2010.
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VariationsThe success and power of "In Christ Alone" has led to multiple versions of the song. Various artists, including Owl City, Newsboys, and Michael English, have recorded their unique renditions.
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Popular RecognitionIn 2013, the song ascended to an even broader audience when the pop-synth band, Owl City, released it as a single. This English-language rendition launched the song onto international stages and into mainstream appreciation.
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Musical ArrangementIts musical arrangement varies depending on the performer, and can shift from a song of quiet reflection to a rousing anthem of faith. Regardless of the arrangement, the stirring combination of its lyrics and melody have made it a beloved hymn in contemporary Christian music.
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SignificanceThe song's lyrics express a confidence in Jesus' power to overcome death, making it a particularly significant song for Lent, Easter, and other Christian observances commemorating Christ's resurrection.
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Evaluation"In Christ Alone" is often described as a bridge between traditional hymnody and contemporary worship music due to its theology-rooted lyrics and contemporary sound.
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Citation
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