Without a doubt Dr. Isaac Watts is one of the greatest hymn writers the Christian church has ever known. For over 250 years Dr. Watts' precise and unambiguous form of expression has helped to clearly communicate God's truth on a vast array of biblical topics. His songs have been sung in countless worship services and have impacted millions of believers around the world.
In the last few years I have personally benefited enormously by reading several times through Dr. Watts' Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. And while I feel that the great majority of Watts' hymns can be considered excellent in doctrinal accuracy and poetic quality, in my opinion the three best Isaac Watts hymns are "How Sweet and Awful is the Place," "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," and "Behold the Glories of the Lamb."
"How Sweet and Awful Is the Place" is a hymn that begins by considering the great love of Christ for his people and how those who have been rescued and invited to the feast of everlasting love are moved to wonder aloud, "Lord, why was I a guest? Why was I made to hear thy voice and enter while there's room, when thousands make a wretched choice and rather starve than come?" As God's people consider their own good fortune they begin to recognize the pitiful state the world is in and express their desire that God be merciful and send his good news to bring the estranged prodigals home. The song concludes with a longing to see God's churches full and completely unified in the praise of redeeming grace. This hymn masterfully communicates God's initiative in the redemption of his elect family.
In "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" the believer is deeply affected by the consideration of the passion of Jesus Christ. He sees the bloody, pierced body of his Savior on the cross and wonders, "Did ever such love and sorrow meet, or thorns compose so rich a crown?" Meditating on the extreme suffering of the Son of God causes the believer to want to be done with personal gain, pride, and the vanities of life and to offer something back to God out of gratitude. To paraphrase Dr. Watts: "If the whole realm of nature was mine, it would be a present far too small; for, love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my very life, my all."
"Behold the Glories of the Lamb" is undoubtedly one of the most Christ-exalting hymns ever written. The imagery of this song is drawn from the Apostle John's vision of the throne room of God recorded in Revelation chapters 4 and 5. In Watts' Hymns and Spiritual Songs, this hymn is subtitled "A New Song to the Lamb that Was Slain" and it describes the victorious Christ, raised in glory to his Father's throne. It calls all the saints to worship, to gaze with admiration at the excellent person and work of Jesus Christ. See what a work Christ has wrought on our behalf! Be amazed at what power has been delivered to him, the very keys of heaven, death, and hell! Come, join with the millions who say wholeheartedly, "Now to the Lamb, that once was slain, be endless blessing paid; salvation, glory, joy remain forever on thy head."
For centuries, quality hymns like these have been an inspiration to millions of Christians around the world as well as a major influence in the enrichment of western culture.
If you are interested in songs of similar quality and substance you might also appreciate the work Steven is doing in the area of hymnology. Steven has been leading worship for over 15 years and has a growing passion for preserving the great hymns of the Christian faith as a resource for future generations.
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