Salvation’s Cup: Notes and Discussion

Below are links and doctrinal notes for the hymn Salvation’s Cup by Chris Anderson and Molly Ijames. Feel free to chime in with comments or questions.

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LINKS FOR SALVATION’S CUP

Full Page / Half Page / Text / MP3

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DOCTRINAL NOTES

Because God delights in worship that is biblical, thoughtful and passionate—what we often call intentional—please consider the following overview of the biblical texts and doctrinal themes behind the hymn Salvation’s Cup:

This hymn follows the theme of judgment and blessing represented by various cups throughout the Scriptures. We believe it will be a valuable resource to help Christians meditate on Christ in worship services in general, and in Communion services in particular. We pray so.

Verse 1 focuses on the cup which Christ faced in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-44). As Christ contemplated the agony which faced Him during the crucifixion—specifically, bearing the sin of the world and the wrath of God—He was overwhelmed, sorrowful to the point of death (Matthew 26:37-38; Mark 14:33-35; Luke 22:44). Three times He prayed for the cup to pass from Him. Yet, in submission to His Father and in love for sinners, He did indeed drink it (John 18:11), suffering as the Lamb of God who by His death would take away the sin of the world. He entirely absorbed God’s wrath so that there is none left for those who trust Christ for salvation, which is the biblical doctrine of propitiation (John 2:1-2; Romans 3:24-25).

(Note: Chris Anderson’s message on Christ’s suffering in Gethsemane, Christ’s Unveiled Grief, can be heard here.)

The chorus considers the idea of salvation as a satisfying drink, as presented in John 4:10-14. The second line rejoices in the Great Exchange, at times represented by a change of garments, but here represented by a change of cups—Christ drinking God’s wrath for us and giving us God’s grace. Line 3 quotes Psalm 34:8, indicating that Christ is not only satisfying, but delightful. The chorus closes with another reminder that satisfaction is found only in Christ, a life-changing truth taught throughout the Scriptures (Ecclesiastes, Psalm 63:1-5; 73:25, et al).

Verse 2 meditates on salvation as a bountiful feast, as presented in Isaiah 55:1, Luke 14:15-24, Matthew 22:1-14, Proverbs 9:1-6, and elsewhere. Our Lord invites us to a sumptuous banquet where all of our needs and desires are met, and He invites us to come freely. What grace!

(Note: No hymn reflects the grace of salvation’s feast as powerfully as Isaac Watts’ How Sweet and Awesome Is the Place. I commend it to you.)

Verse 3 refers to yet another cup, the cup which Christ instituted on the night before His crucifixion as part of the Lord’s Table (Luke 22:14-20; 1 Corinthians 11:23-25). The juice and bread are symbolic reminders of Christ’s Person and Work, and are partaken in remembrance of Him.

Verse 4 refers to a cup that has not yet been enjoyed. As He ordained the Lord’s Table, our Savior promised that He would not drink of the cup again until He does so with us in His Kingdom (Luke 22:18). Thus, we long for Christ’s return, when we will enjoy the feast of salvation with Him face to face. Indeed, even our observance of the Lord’s Table points us to His coming (1 Corinthians 11:26). Thus, we look back to what He has done and forward to what He will do. “Come, Lord Jesus!”

(The notes for Salvation’s Cup were written by Chris Anderson.)

Tags: Chris Anderson, ChurchWorks, ChurchWorksMedia.com, Communion, Jesus Christ, Modern Hymns, Molly Ijames, Salvation's Cup, Worship: Communion