By Erik Dewar, pastor of worship and music

It’s good to sing God’s Word! Psalm paraphrases and Scripture songs are perhaps the most obvious examples of the Bible set to music. Many hymns are also based on Scripture, though often woven into the poetry in a more subtle way.

For a deeper dive into the story and themes of Passion Week, here are the passages of Scripture that shaped the lyrics of Only Christ:

Verse 1:

“…though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” Isaiah 1:18b

But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. Hebrews 9:26b

Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 (CSB)

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Hebrews 10:22

Verse 2:

This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. Acts 2:23

And when the centurion, who stood facing him, saw that in this way he breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” Mark 15:39

And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 1:51

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world… John 3:17a

But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. Romans 6:17-18

…but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:17b

Verse 3:

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

By canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. Colossians 2:14

And he touched my mouth and said: “Behold, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away, and your sin atoned for.” Isaiah 6:7

Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” John 18:38

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; Isaiah 53:5a

And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. Matthew 27:51a

Verse 4

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 1 Corinthians 15:17-19

Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. Matthew 28:1

He will swallow up death forever; And the Lord GOD will wipe away tears from all faces, Isaiah 25:8a

At last two came forward and said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to rebuild it in three days.’” Matthew 26:60b-61

For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. Matthew 12:40

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. But he laid his right hand on me, saying, “Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of Death and Hades. Revelation 1:17

Verse 5

Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. Hebrews 7:25

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. Hebrews 4:14

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1

…making peace by the blood of his cross. Colossians 1:20b

And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Revelation 19:9a

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

Except Romans 5:1 printed above, Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.