Atonement Q&A: A Contemporary Catechism

I've posted on Shai Linne before (here, here, and here), so I'm going to limit my introduction to this post. I'll only say that what he's given us in this song is akin to a contemporary catechism. If folks can memorize the sometimes inane and sometimes gruesomely irreverent lyrics to contemporary songs, imagine what they could do both for their soul and for the glory of Christ by memorizing this.

"Take to your heart all [these] words....
For it is not an idle word for you; indeed it is your life."
- Deuteronomy 32:46, 47 -

Shai Linne Concert

So last Sunday night, Shai Linne came to do a concert at BIOLA. Some TMS friends and Janna and I went to see him. It was really fun. We even actually got to meet him and talk for a few minuets. Hopefully it won't be the last time we hang out, as he's considering coming to TMS in Fall '10.



At about half way through his set he did an a capella, poem-like piece. He asked us, "If death could talk, what would it say?" Then he said he thought it would talk like this.

I'm the one that the movies use to entertain.
I'm the one that seems fun on video games.
I'm the one that the rappers like to shout about.
And I'm the one that does to them what comes outta they mouth.
I'm the one that's broadcast on the news nightly.
Yeah, I'm the one that most take too lightly.
I'm the one that's been the enemy for centuries.
You'll all come to me eventually.

I'm taking out all contenders / between January and December.
Destruction's my agenda. / I'm the one to remember.
And this is not hyperbole. / I'm not known to exaggerate.
So what I'm droppin verbally / I am going to actuate.
And if you're laughin you / have no clue / about my magnitude,
And how I'm smashing dudes / with a nasty attitude.
I'm sorry that was rude, / I got such a major rep,
That I never introduced myself, / Hi, my name is Death.
Nice to meet you. / And it will also be nice to defeat you,
And watch the worms eat you / when I six feet deep you.
You probably wondering why I be shoutin with hostility,
Silly wannabe / killers really be / doubtin my ability.
And they all be yappin, / talkin smack / with their sorry rap,
And when I'm called to action, / they'll be silent like Charlie Chaplin.
How long we actin? / Will you respect me like you cherish sins?
Or will I have to turn your arrogance into embarrassment?

I'm the one that the rappers like to shout about.
And I'm the one that does to them what comes outta they mouth.
I'm the one that's broadcast on the news nightly.
Yeah, I'm the one that most take too lightly.
I'm the one that's been the enemy for centuries.
You'll all come to me eventually.

I'm presently reckoned. / Statistically, I strike every three seconds,
Which makes about 80 people by the end of this record.
So check it as I indicate / and convincingly demonstrate
why I don't discriminate / with people I eliminate.
The middle class? I'm knockin em off. / And I'm even droppin the poor.
The riches of the wealthy can't help em when I knock on the door.
Everybody drop on the floor. / The hottest won't be hot anymore.
Like Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction I will not be ignored.
I strike universally / from slums to universities
from nurseries / to nursing homes/ that's true diversity.
And it's the same for the drop-out /Or the well-schooled when he dies,
likewise / the cool and despised / the fool and the wise.
Oh the lunacy!
How imprudent students be foolishly / thinking they have immunity
like I won't take the opportunity!
Don't masquerade / and act like you ain't have the data
That I emasculate haters / and assassinate assassinators.
When it comes to graves I'm the real filler,
They don't really gives chills to killers / And make a killin when I kill killers.

I can't be talked away by slick politicians / or tricked by magicians
because I'm the kinda guy who mortifies morticians.
I horrify physicians, / I'm knockin all the doctors.
I rock / and shock / the block / from Stockholm to Watts / and I gotcha.
Do what I say! / I'm the last exit on your highway.
Even Frank Sinatra had to do it my way.

I'm the one that the movies use to entertain.
I'm the one that seems fun on video games.
I'm the one that the rappers like to shout about.
But I'm the one that does to them what comes outta they mouth.
I'm the one that's broadcast on the news nightly.
Yeah, I'm the one that most take too lightly.
I'm the one that's been the enemy for centuries.
You'll all come to me eventually.

This goes out to those speakin my name, / lying like you crazy,
Cuz when I greet you with pain / you'll be cryin like a baby.
And I ain't even go into all the ways that I could be taking you out,
The point is, no escaping this route.
Naked you come in and naked you're out.
You been sleepin apparently, / so now listen carefully.
Don't act like you're not aware me! / How are you gonna prepare for me?
I feel like doin some charity / so here's some free advice:
If you don't wanna see me twice,
Repent and believe in Jesus Christ.

It was awesome. Immediately after that he gave a solid Gospel presentation. I tried to videotape most of it, but the quality (of the video) isn't that great. He talked about how everybody was into what he was saying, but in a crowd as big as it was, it was likely that some folks weren't ready for eternity. He mentioned how we were all bobbing our heads and enjoying the music and the poetry, but warned that if that's all it is for us, then we're missing the point. He pointed us to our sinfulness and our need for a Savior. Then he presented that Savior and called us to repentance and faith for the forgiveness of our sins.

He shepherded the crowd.

I'm glad to have met Shai Linne. I hope I get to speak with him again some time soon.

Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance,
God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent,
because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness
through a Man whom He has appointed,
having furnished proof to all men
by raising Him from the dead.
- Acts 17:30-31 -

High Priest

I've posted previously on Christian rapper Shai Linne, and there I've commented in brief on what I think of "Christian rap."

I heard the following song after reading through the book of Leviticus twice, which was very fitting. The song is called "High Priest," and it's basically the experience that the Jewish high priest had on the Day of Atonement each year, told from the priest's perspective. Shai Linne is on point in capturing not only the accuracy and precision of those rites of worship, but the reverence and temerity that the book of Leviticus demands for worshipers of Yahweh.

As I listened to it I thought that our worship today with our hands and voices raised should be no less reverent and grave. It is a serious thing to approach the throne of God. He doesn't have to accept our worship. Our best, purest worship is like filthy rags (Is 64:6). But because of the great, sufficient, finished work of Jesus Christ, we can approach the throne of grace with confidence that He accepts our worship as it's bathed in His Son's blood (Heb 4:14-16; 10:19-22).

Anyway, enjoy the song. As you read the lyrics below, let it spur you on to pure and reverent worship. I encourage you to listen to the song twice, and click on all the links on the second time through.

There's commotion in my brain, strange is the notion,
Words cannot explain my range of emotion.
I'm speechless, my flaws exposed and my weakness,
Each breath draws me closer to a deep test.
It's month number seven, it's been ten days,
I've been awake all night reflecting on my ways.
A threat to my peace in this greatest of moments,
Because I'm the High Priest and its the Day of Atonement.
The LORD is so holy and perfect, I'm nervous,
I'm floored that He chose me to worship through service.
Don't ask me why the God who crafted the sky,
Drafted this weak guy from the clan of Levi.
Preceding generation taught me to read the regulations,
Deep meditation on decreed revelation.
Extreme trepidation breeds hesitation,
Yet I must lead and be the representation.
My occupation: to intercede for the nation,
But indeed my own sins need expiation.
The wrath of Jehovah's grim, sin is no joke to Him,
The hope is slim for unholy men coming close to Him.
He's spoken in His Word the proper way of approach to Him,
Nadab and Abihu got it wrong and He roasted them.
These things I weigh as I sigh,
This could either be the greatest day of my life or the day that I die!

Chorus

So you say that you wanna know the Lord?
Do you really wanna stand before the Lord?
Do you know what it takes to meet the Lord?
God is an all-consuming fire.
So you say that you wanna know the Lord?
Do you really wanna stand before the Lord?
Do you know what it takes to meet the Lord?
Be careful what you desire.

For now, no time to focus on my sinning,
I bathe in the laver though it seems extreme,
I put on the holy coat made of white linen,
Craving His favor -- I'm ceremonially clean.
I check to inspect -- no tangible faltering,
Next I must collect the animals for the offering.
A spotless ram and a bull -- the components,
God gives to make atonement for my own sins.
This part of the ritual makes me real cautious,
Because the very sight of blood makes me feel nauseous.
Still I proceed by snatching him close, slashing his throat,
When his blood splashed on my coat.
Reacting, I choke -- gasping that's when I'm grasping,
God's reaction that sin provokes.
I take a moment to reflect on the blood spilled in this,
Staring at the goat to be sent into the wilderness.
I'll confess Israel's sins with my hands on his head,
Symbolizing guilt transferred in stead
To a substitute the living God provided and stamped,
Guilty of our sin, driven outside the camp.
This beautiful picture of hope and grace motivates,
And I don't want my fear to make this dope occasion go to waste.
Change my outer garments, slow my pace, yo I brace
Myself to stand before Jehovah's face in the Holy Place.

Chorus

The time has come, the great moment has arrived,
About to enter in -- what a lonely enterprise.
Look at the other priests, they speak only with their eyes,
Rope tied around my ankle just in case I don't survive.
I enter through the first curtain to a dark room,
I'm standing in the Holy Place, my thoughts consumed.
I'm caught off guard, I'm unraveling at this stage,
My heart beats so hard it's rattling my ribcage.
Feeling like I'm disintegrating and I can't stand,
Comforted by the light emanating from the lampstand.
This helps my vision -- I can see the showbread,
I think of God's provision, that helps me go ahead.
I need courage to worship! Man, this is intense!
I take burning coals off the altar for the incense.
The sweet aroma fills the room,
The smoke protects my eyes -- one sight of Jehovah seals my doom.
It's no mere coincidence I'm here surrendering,
With fear and trembling I'm nearly entering.
I feel like running scared, hoping I'm not unprepared,
Stunned with fear -- no one comes in here but once a year.
Nevertheless I'm at the point of no return,
Besides, I don't want my anointing to be spurned.
After counting to three, next time I exhale,
I'm in the Holy of Holies, beyond the veil!
The first thing I realize is I'm thrilled that I've
Entered into God's presence and yet I'm still alive.
I'm awestruck by the weight of His terrible beauty,
It's almost unbearable but I must fulfill my duty.
Approach the ark, the first part of my works complete,
when I sprinkle blood seven times on the mercy seat.
Quickly I exit, impressed with the chesed,
that rescues the wretched and left us accepted!

Mission Accomplished

The following video is from Christian rapper Shai Linne. (There's much that can be complained about concerning whether Christian rap is legitimate. All I have to say for now is: the man is preaching better than scores of pulpits throughout America, let alone the world, and he can do it to music and make it rhyme.)

The song is called Mission Accomplished, off of his album The Atonement. That's exactly what he's talking about in the song. The atonement has been accomplished. I could offer more commentary, but he does it really well. The lyrics are written below. Don't miss his own commentary in between verses.

Here's the video. [Please excuse the images of Christ (Ex 20:4). I couldn't find a video in which there aren't any, and I don't know how to post the audio only.]

Lord knows He tried...

Here's a controversial subject that tends to divide,
For years it's had Christians lining up on both sides.
By God's grace I'll address this without pride.
The question concerns those for whom Christ died.
Was He trying to save everybody worldwide?
Was He trying to make the entire world His bride?
Does man's unbelief keep the Savior's hands tied?
Biblically, each of these must be denied.
It’s true, Jesus gave up His life for His Bride,
But His Bride is the elect, to whom His death is applied.
If on judgment day, you see that you can’t hide,
And because of your sin, God’s wrath on you abides,
And hell is the place you eternally reside,
That means your wrath from God hasn’t been satisfied.
But we believe His mission was accomplished when He died.
But how the cross relates to those in hell?
Well, they be saying...

"Lord knows He tried."

That's what they be saying. Cats be saying that He tried. But I'm sayin... did He try? And fail? Or did He succeed? Is there going to be one drop of the Savior's blood in vain? Nah, perish the thought. The Lamb will receive the reward for His sufferings.

Father, Son and Spirit: three and yet one,
Working as a unit to get things done.
Our salvation began in eternity past,
God certainly has to bring all His purpose to pass.
A triune, eternal bond no one could ever sever,
When it comes to the church, peep how they work together:
The Father foreknew first, the Son came to earth
To die -- the Holy Spirit gives the new birth.
The Father elects them, the Son pays their debt and protects them,
The Spirit is the One who resurrects them.
The Father chooses them, the Son gets bruised for them,
The Spirit renews them and produces fruit in them.
Everybody’s not elect, the Father decides,
And it’s only the elect in whom the Spirit resides.
The Father and the Spirit: completely unified.
But when it comes to Christ and those in hell?
Well, they be saying:

"Lord knows He tried."

So if we can agree that the election of the Father is not universal and the regeneration of the Holy Spirit is not universal, why would the atonement of the Son be universal? That would put the Persons of the Trinity completely at odds with one another. But the Triune God is completely unified.

My third and final verse, here’s the situation,
Just a couple more things for your consideration.
If saving everybody was why Christ came in history,
With so many in hell, we’d have to say He failed miserably.
So many think He only came to make it possible,
Let’s follow this solution to a conclusion that’s logical.
What about those who were already in the grave?
The Old Testament wicked, condemned as depraved?
Did He die for them? C’mon, behave.
But worst of all, you’re saying the cross by itself doesn’t save.
That we must do something to give the cross its power.
That means, at the end of the day, the glory’s ours.
That man-centered thinking is not recommended.
The cross will save all for whom it was intended,
Because for the elect, God’s wrath was satisfied,
But still, when it comes to those in hell,
Well, they be saying:

"Lord knows He tried."

Look. At the end of the day, this is about giving God the maximum amount of glory. We proclaim a Cross that actually saves. Not "makes salvation possible," but actually saves. Matthew 1:21: His name shall be called Jesus because He will save His people from their sins. Not "might save them," not "try to save," but, no, He will actually save them. It's a definite atonement. This ain't controversy for the sake of controversy or theological nitpicking.

Salvation is of the Lord. To Him belongs all the glory.