9 Classic Hymns That Tell the Story of the Gospel | ChurchLeaders

9 Classic Hymns That Tell the Story of the Gospel

From the early church to modern congregations, music has played a central role in proclaiming the message of salvation. Hymns, in particular, have helped generations understand and cherish the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These poetic hymns about the gospel not only stir the heart but also tell the powerful story of redemption found in Scripture. Many classic hymns walk through the very steps of the gospel, from the depth of human sin to the glory of eternal life. Here are nine timeless hymns that help convey the narrative of God’s saving work.

Hymns About the Gospel That Capture the Full Message of Redemption

Classic hymns about the gospel have endured for centuries because they faithfully trace the steps of Christ’s redemptive work. These hymns are more than musical traditions; they are theological declarations of truth, hope, and grace. Each of the hymns below reflects a distinct element of the gospel story, inviting believers to worship and remember what Christ has done.

1. “Holy, Holy, Holy”
This majestic hymn by Reginald Heber opens with a vision of God’s holiness. Before we can understand the gospel, we must first understand the character of the God who offers it. “Holy, Holy, Holy” establishes the perfect purity of God, setting the stage for our recognition of sin and our need for redemption.

2. “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”
Written by Robert Robinson in the 18th century, this hymn expresses a longing for God’s grace and a confession of our tendency to wander. The lyrics, “Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,” capture the reality of the human condition. It’s a song of repentance and the desire to remain tethered to God through Christ.

RELATED: Songs for Funerals

3. “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”
Isaac Watts penned this deeply reflective hymn in 1707. With poetic beauty, it focuses on the crucifixion of Jesus and what it means for believers. Lines like, “Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all,” point to the heart of the gospel: that Christ’s sacrifice calls for a response of total surrender.

4. “Rock of Ages”
This hymn, written by Augustus Toplady, underscores the theme of salvation by grace alone. The line “Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling” reminds us that the gospel is not earned but received. It powerfully communicates the helplessness of sinners and the sufficiency of Christ’s work.

5. “Jesus Paid It All”
A well-loved hymn in many churches, this song declares the full sufficiency of Christ’s atonement. “Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.” It summarizes the gospel message that our debt has been fully paid by Jesus, and through Him we are made clean.

6. “The Old Rugged Cross”
Written by George Bennard in the early 20th century, this hymn has become a staple in evangelical tradition. It praises the cross not just as a symbol of suffering, but as the very instrument of salvation. The chorus affirms the believer’s commitment to cling to the cross until the final reward is received in heaven.

RELATED: 20 Inspiring Worship Leader Quotes

7. “Crown Him with Many Crowns”
This triumphant hymn celebrates the risen and reigning Christ. After the gospel’s focus on the crucifixion and resurrection, this hymn turns our eyes to the glorified King. “Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee,” calls us to praise the One who conquered death and now rules forever.

8. “Amazing Grace”
No list of hymns about the gospel would be complete without John Newton’s “Amazing Grace.” Its universal message of transformation through grace resonates deeply. The opening line, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me,” is a confession and celebration of the gospel’s power to redeem the lost.

9. “It Is Well with My Soul”
Though it doesn’t tell the gospel story in a linear fashion, this hymn is a response to it. Written by Horatio Spafford during a time of great personal tragedy, its lyrics point to the peace that comes from trusting in Christ’s finished work. “My sin—not in part but the whole—is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more.” That single line contains the heart of the gospel and the assurance it brings.

Conclusion

These classic hymns about the gospel are more than just songs; they are confessions of faith, declarations of truth, and invitations to worship. Whether used in corporate settings or private devotion, they help Christians recall the grand narrative of redemption: from God’s holiness and human sin, to the cross of Christ and the hope of eternity. Through melody and verse, they continue to teach, convict, and comfort, echoing the good news that Christ died and rose again to save sinners.

NOVEMBER 17 | RELIGIOUS ENTERTAINMENT

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

—Colossians 3:16

Religious entertainment has so corrupted the Church of Christ that millions don’t know that it’s a heresy…. They don’t know that it’s as much a heresy as the counting of beads or the splashing of holy water or something else. To expose this, of course, raises a storm of angry protest among the people….

One man wrote an article as an exposé of me. He said that I claimed that religious entertainment was wrong and he said, “Don’t you know that every time you sing a hymn, it’s entertainment?” Every time you sing a hymn? I don’t know how that fellow ever finds his way home at night. He ought to have a seeing eye dog and a man with a white cane to take him home!

When you raise your eyes to God and sing, “Break Thou the bread of life, dear Lord, to me,” is that entertainment—or is it worship? Isn’t there a difference between worship and entertainment? The church that can’t worship must be entertained. And men who can’t lead a church to worship must provide the entertainment. That is why we have the great evangelical heresy here today—the heresy of religious entertainment. SAT006-007

Lord, help me to be aware of the dangers of religious entertainment and fill me to overflowing with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to Your glory! Amen. ¹

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¹  Tozer, A. W., & Eggert, R. (2015). Tozer on the almighty god: a 365-day devotional. Moody Publishers.

October 25 – The Last Words of Paul | VCY

October 25 – The Last Words of Paul

October 25

TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
  Jeremiah 48:1-49:22
  2 Timothy 4:1-22
  Psalm 95:1-96:13
  Proverbs 26:9-12

Jeremiah 48:1 — This chapter may seem to be irrelevant to 21st century Americans, but what if we swapped out Moab for America and the names of the cities for cities we knew. What if we read “Against America thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Woe unto New York! for it is spoiled: Chicago is confounded and taken: Dallas is confounded and dismayed.” We’d sit up and take notice! That’s what it felt like for the people this was written to because they trusted in their works and treasures. Good thing we don’t trust in our accomplishments and our money! Oh wait …

2 Timothy 4:1-2 — These are the last words of Paul. His urgent charge to his favorite son, Timothy. His message was simple, “Preach the Word!” From West Coast Baptist College, a song based on this text:

2 Timothy 4:7 — This verse is carved on the tombstone of Billy Sunday:

2 Timothy 4:9 — Here we read some of the most touching words in the Bible. Paul, who sent Christians to their death, is being sent to his death for being a Christian. He’s lonely and begging Timothy to come to him. Demas, his friend and co-laborer, (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24) has abandoned him and left the faith (2 Timothy 4:10). Titus is in the faith, but on assignment.

2 Timothy 4:11 — Mark, who disappointed Paul by abandoning him (Acts 15:38), who caused the split between Paul and his mentor Barnabas (Acts 15:39), is now reunited with Paul in spirit.

2 Timothy 4:13 — Paul is in physical distress, or he wouldn’t ask for a coat (2 Timothy 4:21). But more importantly, he wants his books and parchments. He was nigh unto death but was still reading and learning.

2 Timothy 4:7 — From Earl Martin:

2 Timothy 4:16-17 — Paul has given up all grudges and has his faith and hope fully in the LORD.

Psalm 95:1 — Enjoy this song from Northland Baptist Bible College based on this psalm:

Psalm 96:5 — Why is the LORD of the Bible greater than the god of any other religion. Because He is the Creator of all. That’s why the battle for Genesis is so important!

Proverbs 26:11 — Solomon is disgusted by the fool. Pray that your children don’t grow up to be fools.

Share how reading through the Bible has been a blessing to you! E-mail us at 2018bible@vcyamerica.org or call and leave a message at 414-885-5370.

October 14 | A CHARGE TO KEEP I HAVE

Charles Wesley, 1707–1788

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. (Ephesians 4:1)

All of us as Christians have been given a general charge—a God to glorify. We have also been given a particular charge or calling that is unique. Our response to these charges is what gives life purpose and meaning. Fulfillment and contentment in life are not measured alone by our accomplishments. We must have the satisfaction that we are in the place and doing the task that God has destined for us—whether it be great or small.

Charles Wesley is said to have been inspired to write the text for this hymn while reading Matthew Henry’s commentary on the book of Leviticus. In his thoughts on Leviticus 8:35, Henry wrote, “We shall everyone of us have a charge to keep, an eternal God to glorify, an immortal soul to provide for, one generation to serve.” This hymn text first appeared in Wesley’s Short Hymns on Select Passages of Holy Scriptures, published in 1762. It was printed under the title “Keep the Charge of the Lord, That Ye Die Not.”

This hymn text reflects the strength and zeal of the early Methodists. John Wesley once remarked upon hearing of his followers’ persecution: “Our people die well.” On another occasion a physician said to Charles Wesley, “Most people die for fear of dying; but I never met with such people as yours. They are none of them afraid of death, but calm and patient and resigned to the last.”

Being a Christian who worthily represents the Lord has never been and will never be a life of ease. It requires our very best, the total commitment of our lives.

A charge to keep I have—a God to glorify, who gave His Son my soul to save and fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill—O may it all my pow’rs engage to do my Master’s will!

Arm me with jealous care, as in Thy sight to live; and O Thy servant, Lord, prepare a strict account to give!

Help me to watch and pray, and on Thyself rely; and let me ne’er my trust betray, but press to realms on high.

        For Today: Leviticus 8:35; Joshua 24:15; Galatians 1:15–24; 1 Peter 4:10, 11

Ask God to redefine your sense of divine calling in life and to help make you more contented right where He has placed you. Carry this musical challenge with you—¹

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¹  Osbeck, K. W. (1996). Amazing grace: 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions (p. 309). Kregel Publications.

October 7 | STAND UP AND BLESS THE LORD

James Montgomery, 1771–1854

Stand up and praise the Lord your God, who is from everlasting to everlasting. (Nehemiah 9:5)

Many excellent opportunities to witness for the Lord are lost each day simply because of our timidity. Or perhaps we are with a group of colleagues when the Lord’s name is blasphemed, the gospel derided, the church’s hypocrites ridiculed … and we remain silent. How tragic that our noble words of praise on Sunday often leave us during the week when they are needed most.

Ye call Me Master and obey not, Ye call Me Light and see Me not, Ye call Me Way and walk not, Ye call Me Life and desire Me not, Ye call Me Wise and follow Me not, Ye call Me Fair and love Me not, Ye call Me rich and ask Me not, Ye call Me Eternal and see Me not, Ye call Me Noble and serve Me not, Ye call Me Mighty and honor Me not, Ye call Me just and fear Me not.

—Found on an old slab in the Cathedral of Lubeck, Germany

“Stand Up and Bless the Lord” was written by James Montgomery in 1824 especially for a Sunday school anniversary in Sheffield, England. It was based on Nehemiah 9:5. Montgomery was the editor of a newspaper in Sheffield and was known as an outspoken advocate for many humanitarian causes, especially abolition of slavery. His ideas for social reform were considered so radical that he was imprisoned two times. Other causes he championed included hymn singing in the Anglican church services, foreign missions, and the British Bible Society. James Montgomery wrote more than 400 hymns, earning him a lasting place as one of England’s finest hymn writers. May this challenge help you today.

Stand up and bless the Lord, ye people of His choice; stand up and bless the Lord your God with heart and soul and voice.

Though high above all praise, above all blessing high, who would not fear His holy name and laud and magnify?

O for the living flame, from His own altar brought, to touch our lips, our minds inspire, and wing to heav’n our thought!

God is our strength and song, and His salvation ours; then be His love in Christ proclaimed with all our ransomed pow’rs.

Stand up and bless the Lord—the Lord your God adore; stand up and bless His glorious name henceforth forevermore.

        For Today: 1 Chronicles 23:30; Psalm 51:15; 1 Corinthians 15:58; Hebrews 12:28

Refuse to be intimidated by those who seem hostile or indifferent to our Lord. Speak His praise graciously but boldly. Use this musical truth to help—¹

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¹  Osbeck, K. W. (1996). Amazing grace: 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions (p. 302). Kregel Publications.

October 6 | MAKE ME A BLESSING

Ira B. Wilson, 1880–1950

Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. (Proverbs 11:11)

Nothing is lost that is done for the Lord,

Let it be ever so small;

The smile of the Savior approves of the deed

As though it were greatest of all.

—Unknown

We are of little value to our Lord if we do not produce fruit for Him. In fact, the command of Scripture is to bear “much fruit.” Regardless of the task to which God calls us, whether it be great or small, it will receive His promised blessing when we do it faithfully and with sincere motives. The Scriptures also teach that our deeds of compassion and mercy must be done with cheerfulness, never simply out of duty (Romans 12:8). St. Francis of Assisi said, “It is not fitting when one is in God’s service to have a gloomy face or a chilling look.” Representing Christ and serving others must become a normal, happy lifestyle as we “carry the sunshine where darkness is rife.”

The text of this hymn was written in 1909 by Ira Wilson, a musician associated for many years with the Lorenz Publishing Company, serving as editor of the popular periodicals for church choirs, The Choir Leader and The Choir Herald. The music for the hymn was added 15 years later by George Schuler, who served for more than 40 years in the music department of the Moody Bible Institute. Throughout his lifetime Mr. Schuler contributed much fine music for both vocal and keyboard use. “Make Me a Blessing” was first introduced in 1924 at a Sunday school convention in Cleveland, Ohio, where Schuler had 1,000 copies of the song printed for the occasion. It was received with much enthusiasm, and these words have since been widely used to challenge believers to make their lives useful to God.

Out in the highways and byways of life many are weary and sad; carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, making the sorrowing glad.

Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love. Tell of His pow’r to forgive; others will trust Him if only you prove true every moment you live.

Give as ’twas given to you in your need. Love as the Master loved you; be to the helpless a helper indeed; unto your mission be true.

Chorus: Make me a blessing, make me a blessing! Out of my life may Jesus shine. Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray. Make me a blessing to someone today.

        For Today: Isaiah 6:8; Matthew 5:13–16; Acts 20:24; 2 Corinthians 1:4; 2 Timothy 2:21

Simply breathe this musical prayer as you go forth to represent Christ.¹

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¹  Osbeck, K. W. (1996). Amazing grace: 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions (p. 301). Kregel Publications.

October 4 | I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY

A. Catherine Hankey, 1834–1911

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. (Proverbs 11:30)

Soul-winning should be the normal product of our commitment to discipleship and a daily intimate relationship with the Lord. Soul-winning is not salesmanship, in which we try to manipulate or subdue lost individuals to a decision. It is simply taking a message, the objective historical truths of the gospel, and then speaking with the authority of Jesus Christ in the power and love of the Holy Spirit.

Sharing our personal faith should be a joyful and satisfying experience, just as it was with Kate Hankey, author of this hymn’s text. Although she was born into the home of a wealthy English banker and a member of the Anglican church, Kate early in life developed a fervent evangelical concern. She began organizing Sunday school classes for rich and poor throughout London. These classes had a strong influence in the city, with a large number of the young students in turn becoming zealous Christian workers.

When Kate was only 30 years old, however, she experienced a serious illness. During a long period of recovery, she wrote a lengthy poem on the life of Christ. The poem consisted of two main sections, each containing 50 verses. The first section of the poem was titled “The Story Wanted,” later adapted for another of Catherine Hankey’s familiar hymn texts, “Tell Me the Old, Old Story,” still widely sung today. Later that same year while recovering from her illness, Kate completed the second part of her poem, titled “The Story Told,” which became the basic part of “I Love to Tell the Story.”

I love to tell the story of unseen things above, of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love. I love to tell the story because I know ’tis true. It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.

I love to tell the story, more wonderful it seems than all the golden fancies of all our golden dreams. I love to tell the story—It did so much for me, and that is just the reason I tell it now to thee.

I love to tell the story, for those who know it best seem hungering and thirsting to hear it like the rest. And when in scenes of glory I sing the new, new song, ’twill be the old, old story that I have loved so long.

Refrain: I love to tell the story! ’Twill be my theme in glory to tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

        For Today: Daniel 12:3; Matthew 4:19; Acts 4:12; 1 Peter 3:15; 1 John 4:9, 10

Reflect seriously on this often quoted description of soul-winning—“It is proclaiming the good news just as one contented beggar tells a starving beggar friend where there is food.” Sing this musical testimony—¹

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¹  Osbeck, K. W. (1996). Amazing grace: 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions (p. 299). Kregel Publications.