Acquired in Heaven – A response to the reformed rap controversy

Recent controversy has unfolded as a result of comments made at a National Center for Family-Integrated Churches conference. I doubt any of the panel has heard of artists like Shai Linne, much less albums like Shai’s The Attributes of God. In any case, here is my response to the controversy, in the form of sharing lyrics from “Acquired in Heaven” by Humble Beast artists Beautiful Eulogy. This song is found on their new album, Instruments of Mercy (free download here).

I might suggest playing the video below while following along with the lyrics:

VERSE 1:

On that day we will sing of the Name more excellent than angels –

A purified Bride – refined heart, speech, and mind.

Where unity and fellowship is perfected in the church;

Where Divine Love rests in the hearts of the inhabitants of the new earth,

And receive a crown only to cast it down

At the feet of the Resurrected Jesus

In a perfect ceaseless form of worship singing: “Glory”.

To the Liberating King who came not to conquer kingdoms

But conquer hearts and restore ‘em,

Men back to what they were intended for.

And escape from this life marked by anguish,

A great Fountain of Love that flows from heaven’s gate awaits us.

You can take this world, its joys, and its fleeting pleasures,

But give us Jesus –

Our Future Hope and our Greatest Treasure.

We keep building upon the expectation with nothing to separate us,

Nothing to hinder the saints from the greatest expression of adoration.

Divinely fit with language to describe –

With the right words to express –

The richness of Eternal Possession,

The Blessing of Inheritance;

Where God will be seen through purified eyes,

Purged from the sin that blinded us from viewing God as glorified;

Where love will be expressed with the perfect affection.

Until then we wait with expectation

For all that we will Acquire –

In Heaven.

VERSE 2

Lord, You did everything required to save us and bring us

Into Your presence so to know You,

And behold You as our heart’s desire.

There is nothing higher,

Nothing greater to acquire,

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Is the song of the choir.

Your people sing Your praises,

Gathered from all the nations.

We were chosen to be holy and blameless

Before the earth’s foundation.

And it’s only on the basis

Of Your glorious grace.

And we will never grow tired

Of gazing upon Your face,

And falling before Your feet,

Worshiping at Your throne.

Your appearance is like carnelian and precious gemstone.

Like nothing we’ve ever seen,

Your glory never fades.

The Lamb of God who was slain

To wash away sin’s stain.

We were ransomed by Your blood.

Your loss was our gain.

And You live forevermore,

Lord, forever You will reign.

The King of all kings,

Name above every name,

And everyone who trusts in You

Will not be put to shame.

You can follow more on the reformed rap discussion here:

Joel Beeke, Christian Rap, and Public Apologies – Tim Challies

Thinking About Thinking About Rap – Al Mohler

The Dividing Line Discussion on Christian Rap – James White, Shai Linne, Voddie Baucham, Ivey Connerly