So Will I (100 Billion X) is one of the stand-out songs from the ‘Wonder’ album by Hillsong United. In fact, it’s one of my all-time favorite songs from Hillsong. It’s beautifully written, and it includes this line:
And as You speak, a hundred billion creatures catch Your breath
Evolving in pursuit of what You said
I’ve seen a few questions posed around the internet (mostly in Facebook worship leader groups) about whether or not we should sing this song in our churches because it mentions evolution. Here’s my take…
First, a little background…
I’m a worship leader, and I’ve been involved in full time ministry for the past 10 years or so, but my educational background is in science. I double-majored in Chemistry and Biology in undergrad (I went to Tabor College, a Christian college), and I worked for years in research before moving into ministry. Furthermore my wife has a Ph. D. In microbiology and her work is in HIV research at the University of North Carolina. In a completely unrelated note, we’re Tarheel fans at my house, but deep down we root for the Oklahoma Sooners :).
So given my educational and professional background in both sciences and ministry, I probably look at these things a bit differently than many people, but science and faith do not need to be opposed to one another. In fact, I believe they support each other.
‘Evolution’ is a dirty word in evangelical circles, but it shouldn’t be…
‘Evolution’ is a buzzword that has been completely misrepresented by (and unnecessarily demonized by) the evangelical community. Simply, it means that a species changes over time in response to their environment. It has been proven over and over again through both scientific observation and experimentation.
The most well known experiment that proved evolution is real is Charles Darwin’s work on the Galapagos Islands involving finches. Darwin documented that the average size of the beaks of the finches changed over time in response to a change in the type of vegetation available on the islands. There was a drought, and the food became much harder to get to, so those finches will longer beaks lived (they could get to the food) while those with shorter beaks did not (they couldn’t get to the food). Over multiple generations, the average size of the beaks of the finches changed – evolved – to be longer.
Another note here is that a single organism cannot ‘evolve’ – it happens over generations, not in a single lifetime of one organism. Also – man evolving from apes is a theory based on evolution, not what ‘evolution’ itself means.
So what about the song lyric?
As a person who loves science (and has an educational background in it), I really resonated with this song, and that line in particular. I’m of the opinion that science and faith actually support one another, especially when those both in science and faith communities allow themselves to think about our physical and spiritual worlds with more of an open mind.
To me this line beautifully illustrates how the laws of nature are both set into motion by and in obedience to an all powerful God.
If we choose not to sing this song because it mentions something that we feel might be controversial – the word evolution – I fear we begin to go down a slippery slope. Christians are not called to bury our heads in the dirt and ignore things that challenge our faith.
I believe we should absolutely sing this song if it is one that you think your congregation will latch on to. If people do bring up the lyric involving evolution, it presents a unique opportunity to start a conversation about faith and science.
This song is absolutely, positively beautiful. I first came across Amanda Cook/Bethel’s version, and fell in love with it. That said, (to use a “Christianese” word), I had a check in my spirit on this very lyric immediately. It’s not that I have a problem with the word evolution used in the right context. I believe in micro-evolution, but not macro (although you don’t use these words and make the distinction); but I have read through these lyrics a hundred billion times, and I don’t get the feeling the writes were referring to micro.
Here’s why, the entire song is well thought out. Just listen to those lyrics, they are stunning. Let’s give them credit, they wouldn’t accidentally put any word into this masterpiece; especially as they have publicly said they worked on it for over a year. As far as the the lyrics in question go, I have even listened to the authors (Ben & Joel) of the song tiptoe around it by saying that the universe is still expanding (I don’t have a disagreement with that scientific observation). But chorus 1 talks about galaxies, and then there is a turnaround as we shift into the creation of animals, birds, and beasts, etc. I would like to put into paragraph form the lyrics: “God of Your promise, You don’t speak in vain, no syllable empty or void. For once You have spoken all nature and science follow the sound of Your voice. And as You speak a hundred billion creatures catch Your breath, evolving in pursuit of what You said.”
Believe me when I say, I have given this song much thought and prayer, and if I am going to be honest with myself, this in my opinion, is referring to “Theistic Evolution.” Brian doesn’t really go into depth on what He thinks the authors intended by the lyric, and perhaps it is dangerous to assume things about what they meant. But in my opinion, it seems quiet clear. I am not saying you aren’t a Christian if you believe in theory; I am simple trying to be honest, which is hard, because I love this song. But let’s not justify the lyrics into something that they are not. (No accusations intended).
I personally think that these lyrics are speaking of theistic evolution, yet I believe in a young-earth creation – six literally 24-hour days. And it is for this reason, I struggle with this line. For anyone else having trouble with these lyrics, here is my personal take. I think it is sometimes weird to replace lyrics (ex. “Sloppy wet kiss/unforeseen kiss”), because it is almost like compromising (some are singing this as “All moving in pursuit…” . Truth is, the song is either right to sing in church or it is not. Now I get it, as an infallible human, I am sure I have preached mistakes from behind the pulpit, but to change lyrics that authors intentionally chose feels a bit like a buffet. And the Bible isn’t a buffet; you can’t pick and choose only the parts you like, and skip over the rest. Now maybe I am putting too much pressure on lyricists to have perfectly and divinely inspired works, but my point is this: there are plenty other great songs out there – plenty. If this song hangs you up, or someone in your congregation, than maybe, just maybe, you should find something else, and utilize this as personal worship. I for one, will continue to listen to it because it is the most beautiful depiction of nature worshiping the Father that I have ever heard.
Thanks Eric. To be honest, I’m not all the familiar with ‘Theistic Evolution’ – I had to do a bit of research into it. I’m not convinced I am a believer, but I do think that the creation story as it is written in the Bible leaves a lot of room for interpretation. For example – take the 6 literal days of creation… According to the Bible, the mechanisms by which we measure a day were not even created until almost half-way through the creation story. So when the story says “morning and evening”, which standard of measurement were used to determine what ‘morning’ or ‘evening’ was before the establishment of the Earth, Sun, and the Earth’s revolving on it’s axis? Would it have been our 24-hour understanding of a day, or something else?
I honestly believe there’s no way to know – we never will. But through scientific study we can understand some things about the origin of our universe, and I believe that as we gain more understanding, it will only shine more light on how awesome our God is.
Hi if you’re interested, why not try to compare the Hebrew word for day used in Genesis and the word day used in other books of the bible (where it clearly refers to a 24h period). English translation is not 100% perfect, it’s important to refer back to the original text/word to understand the context better. Cheers.
The mechanisms that we use to mark a 24 period of time is not the sun and/or moon. A single rotation of the earth marks a 24 hour day. The mechanism for the marking of time was created on Day 1.
“So will I” and the start of the creation
There seems to be a hidden part in the God of Creation. The Bible doesn’t answer for all of our curious questions – but what do we need to know for our salvation? The Bible is focused on that. Moreover, our knowledge, songs, knowing the Bible, knowing the God a always imperfect. We are not in the place called heaven jet.
The song “So will I” is a great song. Everything works in it. The theme brings together different things from worshiping with stars to following Jesus. The lyric is very surprising and mostly very touching. I’m not sure, am I doing right for the song by criticizing it with my Biblical comments. I really bless creativity. It’s a part of being an image of God. Hopefully we can enjoy more of good songs.
Still I disagree some points of the song ‘So will I’. The first verse says: “God of Creation there at the start, before the beginning of time, with no point of reference You spoke to the dark, and fleshed out the wonder of light”. The song seems place the start of the creation in the beginning of the six days creation. I believe it starts instantly from the first verse of the Bible: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. What difference does it make?
The first chapter of the Genesis seems to tell about two different creations. The first story is just one sentence long, just one verse, but it starts the whole Bible and it’s so-called ‘Creatio Prima’, the primary creation. What happens after that happens in it. The six days creation is so-called ‘Creatio Secunda’ , the secondary creation.
The ‘Creatio Prima’ starts to create out of nothingness, the ‘Creatio Secunda’ out of a flood of waters and – generally out of existing matter. If we don’t observe that it happens in the universe and the solar system that already exist, we are stressing it too much. It’s just not all.
The song says: “With no point of reference You spoke to the dark and fleshed out the wonder of light”. I don’t think that the ‘wonder of light’ streams out without any natural source of light. I believe that God started to move away obstacles which prevents the sun to shine on the earth, like fog, clouds or dust.
For me the ‘wonder of light’ means that God started to bring order after a disaster and started to set the earth on the right place in the solar system and the universe. It started time on the way we use to count it and it started the new creation in order to make the earth as a paradise for a man, which the God of Creation made out of dust.
I think there’s an important aspect of this article that is missing. Namely, a thorough definition of terms. I say that not as a critic, but seeking your opinion as a fellow brother.
“Evolve” would insinuate that you are moving from a more simple form to a more complex form. The example of Darwin’s research on finches didn’t prove evolution, it proved adaptation, correct? Adaptation would be a very different thing than evolution. Science has observed adaptation in nature for quite some time. We’ve yet to observe “evolving” species as defined here… But this is why I ask… What is your definition of “evolve” as it relates to this field of science.
Even the most staunch Young-Earth Creation scientists (like the ones at Institute for Creation Research) acknowledge and affirm evolution within “kinds.” Like one species of dog adapting to become another species of dog. But dogs have always been dogs, bacteria have always been bacteria, and birds have always been birds. What ought be be rejected is “molecules to man” evolution. The more we unpack how DNA works the more we find that speciation is not the result of random mutation but rather a designed ability called epigenetics which enables creatures to turn on and off DNA expressions based on environmental factors such as food availability, temperature, light, etc. The ability of creatures to change physiologically to adapt to their environment showcases the genius of God’s genetic program – but is EVOLUTION.
The difference between spiritual evolution as opposed to physical, biological evolution will be apparent if you take these lyrics as intended.
Yes. Once again we need to be careful not to jump to conclusions. The song does not mention the word evolution. When we speak, our words evolve in to some kind of response. The song is meant to praise The God of creation and inspire in me a desire to imitate Him.
What about the Scriptures…? What about the fourth commandment written by God’s own finger on tables of stone – twice…? “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day… (Exodus 20:11a) “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear” (Heb 11:3).
When we have questions we must look to the Scriptures for answers. If our interpretation of the data conflicts with the Scriptures we need to believe the Scriptures and reanalyze our interpretation of the data.
Leaders of every sort are set in the church by God (1Corinthinans 12:28) …”For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive: but speaking the truth in love, we grow up into him in all things, which is the head, ever Christ”… (Ephesians 4:12-15)
“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2Timothy 2:13-17).
Jesus, the word of creation, came a light into the world, God’s word became flesh…full of grace and truth (John 1:1-14). Even He did not speak on his own, but spoke what the Father commanded him to say and to speak (John 12:44-50). “The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple” (Psalm 119:130).
The task of every leader in the church is to convey the word of God for the perfecting of the saints in love. Our task is not to accommodate contemporary views of God, but to point men to his revealed Truth. We can look for truth about God in nature (Psalm 19:1-4a) but we must always view what we find through the lens of the Scriptures. We must beware to lead into Truth as God has revealed it lest we help lead God’s heritage into error and obfuscate God’s Truth.
THANKS THANKS THANKS for this video Brian. I could not agree more with you note “As believers we can not just bury our heads in the sand when something challenges our faith/beliefs”.
God is the God of Science, Christians (as I have studied it) have little to no reason not to believe our all mighty Creator spoke into being the forces that govern Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Math and all the offshoots thereof. Thats a pretty powerful Creator in my opinion ( we will not discuss my collegiate grade in Chemistry). There are 100 Billion X reasons, and many more, beautifully aligned with revelation in Holy Scripture & in Nature (both God given) for us to explore as we seek His Majesty so we may glory Him on earth and in Heaven.
It is so encouraging to fellowship with Christians who have a strong science background (because mine is lacking, science foundations). There is a fair amount of noise, untruths, & deception out there with the likes of Hawkins, Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens, DeGrasse. Christians in the PostModernist setting needs a strong foundation of philosophy, hermeneutics & apologetical truths to not get bulldozed by the science community. I believe Dr. Hugh Ross states less than 10% of scientists are Christian and in fact many are Atheist, and that is the lens thru which much scientific information comes to us. We need Christian scientists to help the lay person (me) keep our heads on straight.
Thank you once again. In His grip!
The only thing that I could say as a worshipper is that, this song is just saying who am I not to worship the Lord if creation itself worships Him. Who am I not to worship the Lord if He poured out His heart for me by means of creation and salvation.
When I was in highschool, my religion teacher kept on saying that religion is crippled if there is no science and science is blind without religion.
Since I don’t have religion, I only have relationship with Him, science is the natural manifestation of the supernatural things written down in the word.
That’s what we call signs, and wonders and miracles but to those who don’t believe in God they call it as science.
I was singing away in church and sang this the first sunday without reading all the copious amount of lyrics. The next sunday I sang it again but the Spirit prompted me to open my eyes and read the lyrics. As I was feeling that the song was subversive in nature, I was liking it. Subversion against lies and evil is exhilarating. Then I read the line about evolution and I stopped singing in my tracks and tried to digest what I just read and sang and I mouthed out loud, “I don’t like that. That is not okay.” I called my pastor that week and told her I would never sing that song. For several weeks I left the auditorium every time it was sung. They have since stopped singing the evolution creation anthem. People need to get on one side or the other. Evolutionists do not buy any aspect of creationism and would reject your fence riding position. Creationists would reject any aspect of evolution. You should not conflate the two to try to appease to diametrically opposed view points.
I am passionate to vindicate my God who reveals Himself plainly as a creator often and much throughout scripure. “And evening and morning….” are 24 hour periods. God trumps all the bs about “we don’t know how long a day is”.
Hello – thanks for your comment. I would humbly challenge you on your stance on this one, though. For example, in the account of creation, the mechanisms we use to determine what ‘evening and morning’ are were not even created until about half-way through the creation story. Day 1: Light. Day 2: Separation of water and sky. Day 3: Stars – and the Bible specifically says that they were created so we could tell time. But this was day 3. So the question I would ask is what measurement of time was used for day 1 and 2? Could it have been 24 hours? Sure – it could. But God had not yet even created the concept of ‘hours’. I believe we often try to put things into a black and white box, when the Bible clearly teaches us that God is far beyond our understanding. They are gray. I also believe that all science points to God the creator. Even the theory of the big bang – it describes energy (light) coming from nothing. That sounds like Day 1 to me.
First of all, I would like to say thank you for what you do! Your ministry has helped me become a better worship leader. I went with your suggestion of the Martin 000x1ae and am very happy with it! But to address this topic, I respectfully disagree with the idea that the first two days (or any of the other days) could have been longer periods of time. You point out that the means by which we measure “evening and morning” was not created until about half way through the creation. And yet, the Bible still says that there was evening and morning! God of course had His plan for creation from eternity and knew how long He would take to create the universe. I can only imagine that He would be consistent with the length of time that each day would take. He could have created the entire universe instantaneously if He has wanted to, but, as He makes clear in Exodus 20, He was laying the foundation for our week. The universal principle of a seven day week (six days for work, one day for rest) has no basis in a natural or astronomical cycle like the day, month, and year do. The week was set up when God deliberately took that much time to create the world.
Also, let’s not forget that Day and Night were created on Day 1. Genesis 1:4-5 says, “And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day.” (ESV) Remember, this is the first use of the “evening-morning” phrase in the passage. This is also the first use of “day” in the passage. Thus, these will define how the phrase and word are used in the rest of the passage, especially because they are used in a consistent, repetitive way. This word for “day” is the much-debated Hebrew word “yom.” While yom can mean a period of time longer than a light-and-dark day sometimes in Scripture, the context (“evening,” “morning,” “first,” “second,” etc.) makes it clear that this is a 24-hour day. In the same way, if I were to say, “In my father’s day, it took ten days to drive across the state during the day,” you would know what I meant by each different use of the word “day” based on the context. As verse 5 states, God Himself defines this concept of “day” as one light-darkness cycle. So I would contend that these verses aren’t really vague at all when it comes to time.
The implication of all this is that there is not time for macro-evolution (different from micro-evolution/adaptation) in the creation account. Plus, Genesis 1:31 makes it clear that God is finished creating (by using the past-tense “had made”). Macro-evolution (and the lyric in this song, for that matter) would require an ongoing creation because the process of macro-evolution is supposedly still occurring, and the writers of the song (as they state in the New Song Cafe on worshiptogether.com) like the idea that creation is still catching up with what God said (thus the use of the controversial word). In addition, the repeated phrase “according to their kinds” in the passage in reference to the plants and animals multiplying counters the macro-evolutionary idea of one kind of animal turning into another. Sometimes people have a hard time accepting this because they believe that science has proven evolution and millions of years. I believe it’s important that the Bible be our authority and the basis of our thinking in every area as Christians, not science. Science is not 100% accurate 100% of the time. For 2,000 years it was scientific law that life could come from non-life (rotting meat could produce maggots, for example). It wasn’t until Louie Pasteur and others experimentally demonstrated that this was false that this law was overthrown. Science textbooks are rewritten, the Bible is not. God made science, God’s word will not conflict with true, accurate science.
Honestly, UNITED is my favorite band and I love your ministry. I’m praying for you and Worship Tutorals that God would continue to use you. If you would like more info on this topic I highly recommend answersingenesis.org. Also, there are a couple of new high-quality documentaries on the subject: Is Genesis History? (which went number 1 in the box office on its release night earlier this year) and Genesis: Paradise Lost (which premiered on November 13, 2017 but has an encore showing around the country on the 16th). Sorry this was so long! I’m pretty enthusiastic about this topic! God bless!
There s a part on the song which says with no point of reference.. I could be reading too much into it but God always has a point of reference well he is the point of reference.. he is all knowing all seeing God and knew exaclty what he was doing…Still love the song though just dont understand that one liner
Hi Mon – I interpret that to mean God created things out of nothing, which according to our laws of physics, should be impossible. Meaning God is not bound to our natural laws of physics.
why the fuss…simply change the word ‘evolving’ to transforming….sounds way better for me
The next lyric actually adds to the confusion:
“If it all reveals your nature so will I.”
This could be taken to mean that since creation is evolving, then likewise so is God evolving. I doubt Hillsong intends that, but it is one logical conclusion. But it could be conveniently used to justify various unbiblical lifestyle choices.
I enjoy the song and appreciate the unique way it calls us to be like our Creator. The Psalms are filled with references to God’s creation as a source of inspiration for our worship. But the word “evolve” has WAY too much baggage to be used in most congregations, at least without some very direct disclaimers before each time it’s sung.
Brian, you indicated that this could lead to some productive questions and discussion among church members. I’m curious to hear of examples from you and others.
Thank you for your videos and resources. You are doing a great service to the broader church!
I am a huge advocate for this song and especially for the intentional use of the word “evolved”. That said, I personally lean more toward believing a literal 7 day creation. I just personally believe that our God is powerful enough to do that. But here’s the thing… does it really matter HOW God created it all? No. What matters is Jesus. What matters is the cross and the resurrection. What matters is the God (the Word), became flesh, lived among us, and freed us from bondage to sin and death. In order for a person to accept the gospel message about Jesus, the only thing they need to believe about creation is that He, the Creatir of it all, loved them enough to die in their place. And He rose again to prove He is the giver of life!
The rest of the debate is nonessential. And if we as Christians are not careful, we will alienate those who believe certain aspects about evolution from the gospel when it is entirely unnecessary! Believing in a 7 day creation won’t save their soul! What matter is not HOW God created it, but simply THAT He created it. And none of us were there to see it happen. We can fight and debate all day long and divide ourselves over an issue that can’t save a single soul. Or we can say, ok you believe it was millions of years, I believe it was 6 (7) days. Guess what? God did it all and we don’t have to understand HOW He did it. We can unite around the truth that He did do it. And we still fell into the trap of sin and death. And He sent us Jesus!
I agree, Russ, that how God created is not a salvation issue (Romans 10:9-10), but certain views have certain implications. For example, did you know that dinosaur fossils with cancer growths have been discovered? If evolutionary history is true, this would mean that God’s original creation would have included cancer. In fact, nearly the entire fossil record, which consists of literally billions of dead creatures, would have come into existence during Creation “Week.” Romans 5:12 makes it clear that death itself (the verse doesn’t say just human death, as some have suggested) entered creation when Adam sinned. Yet these fossils are supposedly older than man. Does cancer, destruction, and death reveal God’s nature, as the song states? Death has been described as a necessary element for evolution. Jesus’ death means absolutely nothing if death is an original part of God’s “good” creation. The sacrificial system means absolutely nothing if death (even just animal death) is the norm. 1 Corinthians 15:26 says death is the last enemy to be destroyed. Death is not normal; it is the penalty for our sin. Origins are important. Very important. But yes, not essential for Salvation. Certain questions about death and suffering get hard to answer if death and suffering are from God.
I plan to play the song, but will simply replace the word evolving with a more accurate scientific term that can be imparted to the created animals.
We just don’t have the time to explain away the use of any derivative of the word evolution in worship music.
We always sing the unforeseen kiss version of How He Loves – so adjusting lyrics is not a new thing, and is certainly appropriate on occasion.
Evolving is a vague, and comparably weak, word to be using among such powerful lyrics. Unfortunately it stands out like a sloppy wet kiss!
Otherwise, it’s a great song!
It would be like singing a song about the earth and using the term ‘global warming’. I would immediately recognize this and replace these lyrics with ‘climate change’.
But the globe is warming 🙂
Let’s not confuse evolution with natural selection. Evolution is a gradual change; it’s not necessarily linked to creation or non-creation. If it takes a while to come up with a good idea, one could say that the idea evolved.
What happened on the Galapagos Islands was natural selection. The short-beaked birds couldn’t get to the food, so they died. The long-beaked birds could feed, so they survived and reproduced, making long-beaked baby birds and eventually becoming the dominant species on the islands. If the short-beaked birds had become long-beaked birds over a long period of time, we could say that they evolved.
I also have a professional and educational background in the biological sciences (and chemistry/physics).
Don’t care about the song.
I do not think the authors put the word in for Christians to argue over. I think they put it in there for people who believe in Evolution with a capital E and need to look at creation with fresh eyes. It is a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers. Let’s keep singing this song and keep it on the charts so that can happen.
Just to be clear adaptation is the changing of physical properties such as long beak vs short beak in Darwins study. Evolution is the change from a dog to a cat or some other different creature. There is absolutely no evidence of evolution, but only adaptation. creation.com is a great resource for those wanting more.
I had a question pertaining to the lyrics “if the starts were made to worship, so will I.” Obviously, the stars are inanimate objects and therefore can not worship. My thoughts were maybe this was just pertaining to creation having a respect for god their creator? Am i missing anything and/or is there anything else I should be considering? Thanks in advance and god bless
Job and the dark zone
Photographers speak sometimes about light zones and dynamic range of their gears. The ‘dynamic range’ of the Book of Job opens details of the dark areas in the six days creation:
“Who set its (earth) measurements? Since you know. Or who stretched the line on it? “On what were its bases sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone, When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?”
If the stars with some living creatures testifies the six days creation, the Bible isn’t so earth centered as it may look at the first glance. The hemisphere isn’t created surround the earth on the day four – whatever happened then, happened in the existent hemisphere.
The Book of Job asks: “Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, and caused the dawn to know its place”? (- 38:12)
The length of a day depends on the latitude and the season. A climate depends mainly on the total amount of the radiation of the sun. So we have several climate zones. Even a minor chance on the axial tilt of the earth could cause darker and colder winters on the cold zones.
It’s not a sum of coincidences which makes life possible on the earth. Every dawn that sustain life is a miracle whether it bases on the original – or on the six days creation or on the both of them.
The Book of Job opens more details of the darkness upon the face of deep:
“Or who enclosed the sea with doors when, bursting forth, it went out from the womb; when I made a cloud its garment and thick darkness its swaddling band, And I placed boundaries on it
and set a bolt and doors, and I said, ‘Thus far you shall come, but no farther; and here shall your proud waves stop’?” (Job 38:10-11)
The see is like a new born baby, which is raging in a swaddle blanket – really wet one. The ‘thick darkness’ is not some kind of cosmic nonexistence – so dark that it swallows even the darkness itself – only the lonely earth is fighting back! The Hebrew word of the ‘thick darkness’ is ‘araphel’ which rather means a heavy or dark cloud or fog.
Such a crazy type of weather. God ended it and placed boundaries to the sea, as well here as in the Genesis. Weather phenomenons happens in the troposphere, which is the lowest part of the atmosphere. It’s the first thing that is named as the heaven in the six days creation. Pretty much the same way we use to speak.
Also the climate chance happens in the troposphere. Is the climate one of the bases of the earth, which seems to shake now?
The Book of Job mention also the morning stars. The brightest one is Venus, which is in the Bible ‘the bright morning star’, an allegory of Jesus Christ. Maybe it also shined in the morning dawn, when God said: “let there be light”.
Paul said (2.Cor.3-6) that if the light of the Christ is covered, it’s not his fault but people are blinded. The cover is on them. Also the darkness isn’t absence of the sources of light in the six days creation, but the cover is on the earth, in the catastrophe that darkens the heavens.
God wants to make the heaven visible also in our life. Natural light isn’t only hard, burning sunlight but also a merciful starlight. Job for sure heard God’s voice, but maybe also the unspoken song of the morning stars, which gave glory to God the Father of the all creation and to the Savior, our Lord Jesus.
Jorma Jumppanen
This is one of the most beautiful, reverent, Christian songs I have ever heard. IMHO it is the modern-day equivalent of How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. There is no sacrilege, there is nothing here to fear. Controversy over these things is the work of evil and is not of The Holy Spirit. A word in a song foments dissension and our egos over trifling arguments that shouldn’t even concern us.
God designed us to evolve and evolving means to grow and develop. We are human beings and we evolve from inception to death. As Christians, we know that we evolve to a life in Christ after death.
How God created His original design, us, will be fully revealed to us when we are with Him. Science can’t ever disprove God no matter what we discover because God is by far and away, without measure or comparison, The Greatest Scientist of all. If we discover aliens does that mean God is not real? Of course, it doesn’t. If they exist they were made by God because EVERYTHING is made by Him. There is no reason to fear to learn and discover anything, ANYTHING!
Nit-picking and stirring dissension where none belongs is basing our faith in legalism and not in the condition of our hearts. Christ was very clear that this was not His way.
I love this song, I even love the name of it: So WIll I…it is inspired. For me, it raises my heart and fills me with wonder, humility, joy, and peace.
If were beleaving that humans evolved from animals and animal evolved in to new species over some un known time this would clearly be un biblicle to beleave . God made the animales each acording to there kind. And God made man in his own imag . So i would ask the question when were takeing the idea of evoltion in to our beleafs adding them are you takeing this thoght from things lernd in the bible or the world .
Or my brother to illustrate your point you could spell right? Hard to take you serious.
I agree with adaptation just not one species to anothere. look at the bible it seys god mad each acording to there kind
I am surprised that a double major in chemistry and biology does not distinguish between adaptation and natural selection as opposed to evolution. The Darwin example used was adaptation not evolution. But I think you miss the point all together by not recognizing the implication of using the term evolving followed by in pursuit.
It is a beautiful song that could use a change of words that would accurately reflect speaking out creation that was as intended at the moment the word was spoken.
Brian – thanks for your observations. some of the “technical” clarifications form posts really miss your point. I started a new astronomy program at the high school at which I currently teach. The amazing discoveries of the Hubble and the anticipated discoveries of The James Webb telescope are absolutely mind boggling. Now I’m somewhat opposite of you. I have 2 degrees in music and also a M.Div. from a theologically conservative seminary. I spent 10 years of my career in music ministry but am now teaching physics, engineering, and astronomy. (Weird, I know!) I’ve got to admit my mind occasionally wanders to questioning places regarding beginnings – this only reminds me to seek the truth in the word. I just turned on Pandora as I’m preppping my day and this song we sing in church came on. I decided to meditate on the words (in looking for the lyrics I found your blog). Thanks for your observations. The amazing dimensions of creation, dimensions of time and space, are not fathomable by our minds. But they sing the praise of God. I also feel that the “wooden” approach of some to creation do the Kingdom no favors. There is a convergence of scientific discovery and Biblical truth. It may be uncomfortable and challenge our ability to comprehend but then that is God – isn’t it? This doesn’t challenge the literal, historical, inerrancy of scripture. Only our ability to fit it all together.
I do believe in the literal 6 days of creation. I believe all God had to do is exactly what the Bible said He did, He spoke and it was and it was good. Not something that needed work. I do also feel that this song could have been awesome but it makes me even question them now as true believers. They mention evolution and that to me sounds like they believe it. It shouldn’t be in a Christian song, it shouldn’t be in our churches, it shouldn’t even be in our schools and that is because it is NOT in our Bible. This song is misguided and hopefully doesn’t also misguide others. The only way that Science and the Bible can be cohesive is when science doesn’t contradict the Bible. As a Christian, everything is held up to the Bible. Not the other way around. We must be careful not to question the Bible or God’s authority but man’s supposed authority. Such a shame really, the song could have been great.
Melissa,
Bless you. I think you’re missing the forest for the trees. You certainly don’t have to sing this song. But it’s so far removed from anything of “evolution” that it’s beyond comprehension that someone could feel it’s unbiblical. There isn’t a thing in the song that should worry you. Nobody believes this has anything to do with man evolving from apes, or whatever frightens you. The word discrimination is a word that can mean very positive things as well as negative.
My goodness, be careful legalism doesn’t prevent you from entering into worship with this beautifully written song. Remember, God knows your heart.
Better than you ever could.
Take a look at the song again with new eyes. It’s all about God speaking and we humbly responding.
Glory to God. 🙂
HI Brian
I would urge you to please be careful choosing your words in light of your broad influence and voice. Wen you say “evolution is true”, there could be an assumption that you are in agreement with the “time + chance” theory of the formation of all things physical and living. The development of beneficial new genetic material or information due to time, chance or mutation has no basis in science. Genetic material is only lost or altered in micro evolution mutations, never added. macro verses micro, Natural selection verses the development of new species.
Hi Brian,
My husband and I are worship leaders and I am currently studying my MSc. in Physics and my husband has a Ph.D. in Physics . Matter responds to frequencies.. and I can only think about the universe obeying God’s voice in the creation. 2 Peter 3:8.
Actually, the only evolution that has been proven is pre-programmed micro evolution. The evolution from one species to another has not been shown to be true. Please stop teaching false scientific theories to the Church that contradict Scripture, it leads people astray and dishonors the Lord and his Word.
10,000 reasons was one thing, but 100 billion? I just can’t sing that over and over.. and then the “evolving” word… Isn’t Ken Ham Australian?
“So Will I,” is a beautiful song. I heard it for the second time at Church yesterday. We normally stand during praise and worship music but we had just had an announcement where we were seated when this song came on. People started to rise and I was one of the first because the song spoke to me. That’s something, because I am usually the last to (dutifully) rise in these cases. However, this song was very moving.
The lyrics on evolution immediately caught my attention and I wondered if I was the only one to notice them. However, I also didn’t feel that the mention of evolution — especially commanded by God — was a contradiction to my belief. I have a bachelors of science and a doctorate. I have always been a science-minded individual. Evolution is factual and incontrovertible in the science world. However, like you, I have always found the two subject (God and Evolution) to meld well. God is the creator of all. He created the natural laws that we observe. And if it all reveals (His) nature, so will I!
Thank you for sharing your stance on both a religious and a scientific platform. I don’t believe they must be exclusive.
How to begin… I lead in a small church in rural Montana. My background in education and vocation is Forestry. I observe natural changes and genetic traits and celebrate creation. I also take scripture as inspired and therefore always, in all ways correct… Now re evolution as a term, it can be defined and debated and it can carry our thoughts in several directions. In our Church I have seen it taken to mean a contradiction of the scriptures, but here’s the thing Jesus didn’t come to save us from science but sin and to teach us to love God and each other. I have seen where some who are hungry to know God are turned away by a strict interpretation that brands evolution as counter to scripture. I came from a background of Judaism flavored with some new age mumbo, and when I came to know that Jesus was God it was first in my heart and then in stages in my understanding of scripture. If someone had implied I must believe in a six day creation I wonder if I would have come to Christ. I have a good friend who’s son left the faith in Bible school when pressed on evolution. (please pray for Daniel)… So back to the song, I feel that the addition of the lyric to this granted beautiful song, puts it in a category where it can lead someones thoughts away from God into realms of controversy, which is a shame, maybe even divisive. For myself I can love the song and want to play it, but for those who join me on Sunday I feel I need to sing something else. I wonder about the writers intent here, why was that one word needed? Then there is the issue of my Pastor and for all of us, this person should be the one who says yea or nae on something like this and in my case there is no need for me to ask … He would be troubled by the lyric. So I had my say… I wish all Gods riches blessings… And thank you for the great website it helps this feeble guitarist immensely.
Amen, Jim! I love science and think of it as a detailed description of how God accomplished His purposes; as opposed to the more general description found in Genesis. And I even love lively, but loving, debate on said topic. That said, it’s not worth it to me to “distract” the worshippers in my congregation in a devotional moment with content that takes their minds away into other thoughts. Plus, my pastor’s head would explode; so there’s that. 🙂
in the same way that we are not here by random chance, the lyric writers choose every word and note of the melody by design. they knew what they were doing by inserting such a charged word into a praise song.
for most Christians singing this song along with the radio or in a worship service, the line might get lost in the music or the overall intention of the song. i love the song’s message and reminder for us to join in praise along with all of creation. as Jesus said in Luke 19, creation knows who made it and it will sing if we won’t. the song’s scope begins at genesis and leads to salvation–beautiful.
however, by inserting this one word, the writers either intentionally or myopically pushed “theistic evolution” into the spotlight.
throughout my professional career, i have studied a wide range of sciences including physics, chemistry, biochem, biology, astronomy, and many others. i have studied evolution of many kinds cosmic, chemical, biological, and even theistic–to name just a few.
if you read the lyrics in question:
“And as You speak
A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath
Evolving in pursuit of what You said
If it all reveals Your nature so will I”
it is clear that biological evolution is highlighted in this case. it also seems to point towards the writer’s support for theistic evolution–that evolution as typically described by many biologists is a system that is planned and directed (either just put in motion and then left alone or actively guided even to this day) by God.
what’s at stake here is actually a more nuanced discussion than one line in a song can flesh out. there is a vast difference within biological evolution between macro-evolution and micro-evolution. one requires lots of faith and one has lots of evidence.
i find that in any argument or discussion, faith is always necessary. for some people, a little bit of evidence is needed to convince them of a point. for some, a large amount of evidence is required and for others no amount of evidence will be sufficient. this is true of a court case, the loch ness monster, mac vs. pc, or your particular belief on evolution–for, against, or somewhere in the middle.
the song also gives both God-curious and Christians who believe evolution to a spectrum of degrees a good song that they can sing wholeheartedly.
i love science! i think it amazing that God has given us this methodology to investigate His creation. He has wired many of us to have a skeptical bent when examining what He has made. how many other praise songs have “science” in them? just this one, i think!
while i won’t be singing that particular line of the song, i do welcome the healthy discussion that this song will spur. God will easily withstand our analysis.
I happily stand in awe and wonder of everything our God has made. I don’t need to understand how, just that He did. And the fact that He made it for His children like me to study, to ponder, to enjoy totally blows me away. The creation story in the Bible simply tells me that God made EVERYTHING, including me, and I can’t really worry about how. Like I’d ever be able to understand anyway?
With all of the evolution chatter, I’m wondering why no one has landed on this doctrinal error in the song lyrics;
And as You speak
A hundred billion failures disappear
Where You lost Your life so I could find it here
If You left the grave behind You so will I
Third line; I’m pretty certain based on teachings from Scrioture that Jesus did not lose His life, but He GAVE His life. What is baffling is that further in the verse the lyrics do say “gave Your life” so they’ve introduced a contradiction.
Where are the potato chips at?… ahh here they are. Now to watch as we all burn each other over a song. Seriously, if you like the song and you agree with with it, then sing it play it, and do whatever else you want with it. If not then do the complete opposite. The word here is “Evolving” not evolution. Evolving is to develop gradually which does not implicitly imply in a biological or scientific way. What if instead this part of the song is referring how our faith or praise is evolving or developing into a STRONGER, DEEPER kind of faith and understanding of God. No where in the song does it reference how the word, “evolving,” is referencing how we will evolve biologically…. Well Thats it folks. I’m still gunna go grab the potato chips and watch what happens on this post. lol
This song should be titled “Were Science Left Off”. Love it!
I sang this song for the first time in my church yesterday and loved it… until the verse “evolving” came up and distracted me for the rest of the service.
If you are considering using this verse in your worship service, please be aware that it may be a unwanted distraction, as it was to me.
I personally believe theistic evolution (God killed billions of creatures over millions of years before Adam sinned) is both bad science and bad theology. If this is an doctrine your church holds, this would be an appropriate song to sing.
All honor and glory belongs to Jesus. As we lead others in praise, every word should align with his Word, as your community of faith understands it.
When I heard this for the first time, I took the meaning to be of the creation moment when God created all the animals, all at one moment,the birds, fish, and animals on land. In one single moment. Nothing to do with evolution or adaptation.
Maybe someone should ask the author of this song what was meant in their words and not speculate or assume that it is evolution.
This song is about how creation was designed to praise God.
The Bible simply starts with “in the beginning.” I may believe the oddball theories, but if you consider all the physical evidence of the “big bang,” and other physical evidence that supports some form of evolution, we may indeed be facing a situation where science and the Bible actually agree – 100%. Not to start a large controversy, but enough evidence exists in both places to allow the singing and playing of songs that MAY disagree with older ideas. Just a though. Don’t forget though, God always views you just as righteous as Jesus, even if you chose an incorrect song. You are righteous!
And as You speak, a hundred billion creatures catch Your breath
Evolving in pursuit of what You said
This reference is to creation and not evolution itself.
Don’t take the word evolving in its scientific context but the change that caused man to be created from dus,t and the breath of God that breathed life into everything.
Spiritually we are evolving into becoming more like Jesus and less of us.
God bless.
Agreee
Exactly my take Harry. It’s a literary term not a science term. As in this is a song not a biology thesis
Harry,
Spiritual evolution, if such it should be called, shouldn’t be compared to the physical act of evolving, e.g., growing a longer beak to eat and survive. I think we’d have to agree a basic definition of evolve is change, gradual, incremental, occurring over time.
What source would we look at to suggest there was an evolution of God’s creation? We have to rely on what Brian refers to as science or some historical reference, alas, the Bible. While I admit, science and the Bible work together, such is not the case when we simply refer to Darwinian evolutional theories as “science”. In fact, Darwin’s work has always, and continues to draw both ecclesiastical and scientific criticism.
In the creation events of Genesis 1 and 2, we see the creation of beasts, fish, plants, etc. Then with detail, man in Genesis 2:7, receives the quickening “breath of life”. All of the language in 2:7 speaks of the state of being alive not evolving. I don’t think assuming the songwriter means there was an evolutional change from dust to the life of man was his intent and if it was, it would appear to take a staunchly nontraditional view of the creation of man.
Granted, I’m the odd man out in this thread supporting both the song and the idea God sparked an evolutional process amongst His creation
Exactly!! To evolve means to change gradually…an infant gradually changes to an adult, same with animals. A seed gradually changes into flower or tree…I think we read to much into things.
Absolutely agree
what about in the last chorus when it says I can see Your heart Eight billion different ways Every precious one A child You died to save and in the outdo where it says your the one who never leaves the one behind? Do you believe that the entire population are children of God?
I think what the last chorus meant is encapsulated in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, what He gave His only Son. That who should ever believes in Him shell not parish, but have eternal life.”
“Every precious one a child You died to save” meant every child born into this world (all eight billion of us) is precious in God’s eyes, so precious that He even gave His only Son.
So it means that salvation is open to all, but only when we will believe in Jesus and what He did on the cross.
I agree that every human in the world is a child of God. Whether we choose to love him or not, his love stays the same for us. So no matter how astray we go, God is still right where we left him waiting to accept us(His children) again.
The Bible says we were all made in the Image of God the imago dei. Therefore, whenever I look at another person, I can see God in them, because we were all made in His image. So yes, in that I say we are all children of God, many are just wayward sons and daughters.
You might want to try reading the bible to form the basis of your opinions. For Mosha and Manago, the only people who are children of God are those who were adopted through His Son. All other humans are children of the devil. See 1 John 3:10, John 8:42-45, Ephesians 1:5, etc…
I’m researching about the song until I found this blog. I never thought that this will help me get some answer to the question I just let my faith talk about it. Talking about evolution and with the some experimentation and research I can say that I believe on it, but when I think of a man came from ape, that is the time I just say to myself that it is a God’s wisdom that I can fathom so I just leave that question around and believe that God created me.
With such explanation, I’ve learned that it is OK to question around, to talk about like this sensitive topic.
As for the song, when I heard it, I thought, Hillsong want to say that everything happen in God’s will including evolution.
You’re clearly a fucking tool bag idiot if you profess Christ and evilution as biblical cohesion.
Ouch.
How does calling someone a “f—-ing tool bag idiot” gel with calling yourself a Christian?
I think there is nothing wrong with it as it glorifies God in his creation. We just overthink about the lyrics. Let go of those too many SCIENCE facts…instead be free to praise God for everything. If you dont agree with the song…then just dont sing it. Dont complicate too much stuff..make your life easier and breathable…
Amen Brother! Preach it!!! 🙂
My problem with this song has to do with the word “if”
I am not an English Professor, but I guess “If” in this context should be understood as “Since”… Philosophers and Mathematicians (Which I am 😉 ) use this to argue and proof statements logically, since an earlier statement A holds, then B automatically follows.. It should not be understood as IF, (a probable statement. Blessings
You worry too much.
Do we even know if that was the original intent of the songwriters? Even if it is, I see no problem with it. But really, you can evolve not only biologically, but spiritually and in maturity. We can pursue righteousness in light of his teachings and words in the Bible and continue to evolve as Christians. Which was honestly my initial interpretation of this line even though I also have a science/biology background as well. The fact that it can be argued as both is part of the beauty and art of excellent song writing. Much ado about nothing, I think. This is an amazing and well thought out song that is not only absurdly, poetically, beautiful–But solid in its narrative in bringing full circle creation, salvation, and redemption and what our response should be to his majesty, justice, and love.
What an excellent blog post Thank you!
The example of Darwin’s finches demonstrates micro evolution not macro evolution. Probably better not to throw a divisive issue into the faces of God’s people.
Haha some evangelicals are just ignorant…Evolving word doesnt mean evolution but is a way to express the process of doing what Jesus said and the word of God says …believe me im not even english and understood straight away what it means…that because of the Holy spirit …some people have not revelation through the Holy spirit
Can’t resist diving into shark infested waters 🙂
First, it’s not my favourite song anyway, so I don’t have much personal stake in it. Apologies to those who love it … no offense intended.
My bigger issue is that the song writer has made it an issue, whether intentional or not. This is actually something that bothers me. It’s ironic that in an age where “cultural relevance” (and it’s sibling, “cultural sensitivity”) are crucial, that a song writer would even put the word “evolving” into a song intended to be marketed for corporate worship (yes, I said “marketed” – don’t kid yourself). Knowing the controversy in the evangelical world on this issue (and what side I’m on is irrelevant to the point), why bother?
Possible motives: (1) The writer is trying to sneak theistic evolution into worship, even if under the guise of plausible deniability (“if it goes wrong, we’ll just point out that “evolving” has other possible meanings”); (2) The writer is culturally unaware and has no idea they’re stirring up controversy; (3) The writer is culturally insensitive and doesn’t care that they’re stirring up controversy; (4) The writer was just lyrically lazy and threw in the first word that fit without really giving it much thought. Any other possible motives? Please enlighten me.
If it’s (1), so be it – just be honest about it. Don’t hide behind word games – that’s lack of integrity, and out place in worship writing.
If (2) (3), or (4), I humbly suggest that we songwriters can do better.
I probably won’t use this song for other reasons, so it doesn’t really matter to me. But I think songwriters who write for corporate worship need to be very culturally aware of what they’re doing. And I think churches need to expect that and call the writers on it when they get lyrically lazy. I have attempted song writing, so I have full empathy for songwriters and how difficult it is to write a song that pleases everyone (or even one that you’re fully satisfied with). But, certain controversies just aren’t worth the ink, and that’s kind of how I feel about this song. It didn’t have to be this way … but …
I agree. I can’t worship during this song because it implies theistic evolution.
Completely agree with your assessment here.
I felt that the line about evolution – in a song about CREATION – is a pity as it ruins what would have been a great song.
It robs glory from God. In essence it says God did not create everything – but that it randomly evolved.
Evolution in not mentioned or inferred once in scripture, but God as the CREATOR is stated over and over in just about every book of the Bible. It seems popular worship is becoming more and more what suits the world’s view on creation and not a biblical one.
John 1:3 Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.
Two weeks ago I lead my congregation in a ‘response’ using the lyrics from ‘So Will I’
I replaced every instance of “If” with the word ‘Since”, my preference, and I replaced “Evolving” with the word “Unfolding”, my preference. I believe like Spock, from Star Trek,: “That the universe will unfold as it should.”
At each instance, in the song where “So Will I” is used, I had the congregation respond with, “And So Will I”.
My apologies to Hillsong, if needed.
-D4Tay
It’s really sad that Hillsong made such a beautiful song to glorify creation, and then they ruined it by giving the glory to atheistic naturalism. I find it ironic that the guy in the video above admits that he is not an expert in either science or theology, and yet he was chosen as the spokesperson for this topic. He should stick to making music. His understanding of science and theology is extremely lacking in my opinion. First of all, he adamantly proclaims that evolution is a fact, and he gives examples such as the Galapagos Island finches as “proof” for his evolution. The example of the Galapagos Islands finches is not evolution, but natural selection. Most of Charles Darwin’s book (Origin of Species) was dedicated to similar examples of natural selection (small changes within the original created “kinds” or families or orders of animals). It wasn’t until the end of the book, that Darwin professed his belief (yes, belief not observation) in a “theory” of evolution. The theory of evolution is a belief that ALL living organisms share a common ancestor, and it attempts to provide an explanation for the ORIGIN of ALL living organisms without the DIRECTION OF GOD. This song sadly takes the glory of creation away from God and I am very disappointed that a song that should be giving the glory to God is instead giving the glory to theistic evolution.
Nice “adaptation” (or should I say “evolution”) of the song. Biblically “if” with “since” is much more accurate. “Unfolding” is an improvement but not quite perfect.
Hard to believe but I too wonder if the writer was simply sloppy and lazy?
For the love of God most high folks, it’s sad when we listen to all of the uplifting words/lyrics in this amazing God felt song that the word ‘evolving’ bring us down. When you are listening to all the emotion/heart in the young man’s voice:( He is not using the E word in a incomprehensible way but using it as growth. We evolve/grow into God’s love, we are not formed. God love anyone’s heart that questioned the E word in this heart felt song, God all the Glory:)
Everyone needs to check out a book called Darwin’s God. The thesis of the book is that Darwin was following a centuries old trend of Theodicy, trying to protect God from appearing to be the author of evil. The basic premise of such a thought pattern is “If I were designing this particular creature or plant, I would not have done it this way,” and causes us to perform numerous mental gymnastic exercises to “protect God” when He probably does not need protecting. Thorns on rose bushes or cactus, fangs that can tear flesh, excessive seed production and many others have all been put forward as possibilities of something that a good God could not have created. So evolution was considered one possible way to protect God rather than eliminate him from the equation. But again, maybe God does not need protecting?
Also the underlying premise may also be false, that everything we see in nature today is how God designed and planned it. Even Jesus taught us to pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” which basically implies that at least some things on earth are not in God’s will and He created us to pray and invite Him in to a restorative process. Eventually God hits the cosmic Reset button and creates all things new. So yes on adaptation (perhaps a good God designed creatures with the ability to adapt to a changing environment?) but also on a view that suggests that as we approach the return of Christ, things are getting worse not better. But no on a view of creation and adaptation that possibly eliminates God from the role of creator. Common genetics could either apply a common ancestor or a common source of the software of life (not reinventing the wheel with each new creature created?).
Also on long age vs short age theories, is it possible that a God who creates perhaps created some things before he created life on planet Earth? To believe that we are the first thing that God ever created seems a bit egocentric I would think. Sort of like the thought process suggesting that the Sun revolves around the Earth and considering our planet as the center of creation?
I love this song to bits. To always on a loop. Thanks to the authors of the song. http://www.livingvibes.com/
Greg, you are clearly not a Christian if you can speak that way to another child of God. But Jesus loves you just the same!!!!
This song is one of the best songs I’ve heard in a long time, and I almost never say that about Christian music. This song is a beautiful blending of science , artistry, and faith. It is beautifully crafted, and in the cesspool of mindless drivel that the Christian Music Industry has become we should be thankful to be able to claim such a beautiful work as “Christian.”
👍🏾
PRAISE GOD AND THANK YOU!!
This song has touched me deeply. I pray many many Christians will consider the words with open hearts and minds.
If you truly believe God created everything then you have to believe He created science!!
Science has proven things evolve.
What an awesome God we have!
I just cannot escape this song and I mean that in the most beautiful way possible! This song just resonates in my soul and I have to hear it, every day, every hour, almost every second because it perfectly explains how we should be, how we should follow God. And I love how faith and science are interwined, because without either….we wouldn’t be here!
I am 💯 in support of everything sung in this song and it has been on repeat(literally) since I came across it two days ago. Poor me, I just came to know about the now but nevertheless, I’m grateful I did!
For those disputing evolution, what about the serpent that was cursed in the garden of Eden to evolve from being able to talk and walk to crawl on its belly without limbs and evolution has proven that they actually have vestigial limbs.
This song is one of the most beautiful songs I’ve heard and I’m privileged to be alive to hear it. God bless you, Brian and God bless Hillsong
God is so ingenious to bring about these open debates about Creation and everything is done in Gods time and as God is both Alpha and Omega without the restraint of time as we mortals judge our life span, then when God says days, how long is a Heavenly Day? So regardless if people are out there trying their whole life to prove Evolution is fact or that God is not real, they are used by God to bring this topic into discussion.
Dianna, how long is a “Heavenly Day” is not relevant. God defined His creation in terms of an “earth day” which was “And the evening and the morning were the first day.” The six 24 hour days of creation as stated in Exodus 20:11 “For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.” were for our benefit and knowledge, for God also said “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God” Exodus 20:11 verified the six day creation description in Genesis 1.
I have a cousin who says he is an Atheist and he spends more time talking on social media about God than I do… He seeks out every negative piece of literature or slogan he can find then posts it on FB! Instead of getting upset I can see God is working in his life because without realising he is proving God is real.
This song is indeed a well thought-out and written lyric to combine what God and Man know to be true. I see science basically as the expression of human inquisitive nature to prove personal ideas. Sometimes people write a theory based on opinion through their observation or experimentation to prove facts. I hope people of Christian faith and those who oppose the Bibles teaching can become more open to listen to each others views and if something is proven true… it should be thought of as a learning experience rather than who is right or wrong.
First of all, I really enjoyed this song. I thought it was extremely beautiful and saw the value in the verses that are referring to evolution. I do not believe passionately for or against theistic evolution. I think it’s compatible with the Bible, I’m just not sure if I believe it or not. Regardless, I’m not convinced that it needs to be involved in corporate worship. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a song challenging a believer and calling them out of their comfort zone, but I do think there is something wrong if a song is distracting a worshiper from worshiping. If I’m singing a song that makes a theological statement I don’t necessarily agree with, it distracts me. This is not a problem when I’m singing the song in my car or something, but if I’m supposed to be worshiping with my church and fellow believers, there shouldn’t be any sort of hesitation because of a controversy. I don’t think “evolution” should be a dirty word, and it definitely should be something discussed with open minds, but I don’t think it’s something to be discussed in the middle of a worship song. Just my two cents. Still love the song, I just prefer it in a different setting.
Except..that’s not their meaning in the use of the word “evolving” (from one kind of organism to another over huge lengths of time). Rather they are using the word to depict the immediate process of formation of individual creatures that God literally spoke into being at the time of creation. Darwinian Evolution -as you speak of- is a long, slow, laborious process that necessitates death and destruction in its workings. God’s word tells us death came about only as a result of sin. If God used death in His process of creation (ie Darwinian evolution) and death existed before Adam and Eve sinned, then Jesus’ died for nothing. It’s bad science (contrary to your suggestion there is zero evidence for species-to-species “evolution”) and even worse doctrine.
Exactly!
Let me address something in your post: Regarding “It’s bad science (contrary to your suggestion there is zero evidence for species-to-species “evolution”)” That is absolutely wrong and bearing false witness against science and scientific evidence. Human being share over 180,000 endogenous retroviruses in our DNA with chimpanzees. These are not only the same virus (or retro-virus), but they are in the exact same location. There is phenomenal evidence for evolution from a common ancestor, and it is disingenuous to say that it is ‘bad science.’ We are not called to mis-represent things, even if we disagree. I fully admit that this is a challenging topic and many are very averse to it; but we are compelled to deal with facts and the facts, especially in DNA, are overwhelmingly in support of evolution from a common ancestor. Francis Collins, who is head of the human genome project, discusses the evidence for evolution in many of his interviews. I fully acknowledge that this is a difficult topic- but it’s time to stop being ignorant about the evidence for it. https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/january/32.62.html https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2014/10/28/pope-francis-comments-on-evolution-and-the-catholic-church
But how many times has science been proven wrong, theories been falsified, scientists acknowledged that their theories are just that, theories.
There is not evidence at all, looking at species, where they came from, where the common link should be. The common structure etc. of DNA should proof evolution? Sorry, for me it just proofs that all living creature have one creator in common, and not one ancestor.
Btw who can proof that the earth should be 4.5 billion years old (according to evolutionists)? Who can comfirm that all scientific methods to define the age of something are valid tools, and aren’t fooling us? Exactly, no one.
So please, don’t tell the world that evolution is fact, it’s not, you have to believe in the theory, in the same way you have to be in God, there is no proof of him.
Thank you for this thoughtful post! When I first heard this song I rushed to look up the lyrics to confirm what I thought I’d heard. I was pleasantly surprised that they managed to work that line into such a beautiful (and popular) praise and worship song. Thank for identifying as both a Christian and a scientist. And thank you for shedding light on a sensitive topic!
Peter–you know not what spirit speaks from you…The world has offered the Church the Pill (literally), same-sex marriage, and evolutionary drivel, and the Church has swallowed it.
This man is not speaking of evolution on the same terms as the Academic World. This man is speaking of Adaptation. Not Evolution. Placating to the World & parroting their jargon, mantras, and fodder, in order to not marginalize or discredit your own intelligence is self-preservation. I have heard enough Christians who believe in evolution preface with the words that they didn’t check the brain in at the door when they entered into Faith. Really???
I checked mine in at the door the moment I entered Med School…because I was a Christian. I don’t know where my professors were coming from (although I knew where *most* of them were) but I was pretty sure My God and Father of All Reason & Truth (who got me in the door!) would be able to signal to me the fallacies & deceptions of a slippery-slope as the Holy Spirit guided me in my studies.
Is He the God of Romans 5:12 or not?
I am a physician. Kinda means I had kinda the same amount of education scientifically, as the wife in this article. When you factor in residency, maybe even qualified a teensy more than just an undergrad degree? I’ll let you all decide. I was working on my masters research when I got accepted to med school. My professor at the time was in collaboration with Stephen J Gould (that was a mind-blowing handshake with a contemporary Jewish Marxist & inventor of Punctuated Equilibrium). Perhaps the author has heard this name? I’ve been in conference with Lynn Margulis during the same time as my professor took me along with her everywhere. Perhaps you’ve not heard of Lynn? Carl Sagan was her ex-husband. Kind of the movers & shakers & authors of all the modern faulty theories to prop up (all the losing arguments) evolution. I have been present, and sat down in horrified disgust, feeling like I was in some Nazi-propaganda rally cheering on Hitler, to see all the afore-mentioned folks (Sagan had expired) Standing On Chairs in a Boston ballroom, Chanting “Long Live Darwin!” at the top of their lungs. I wondered if I’d be escorted out as an infiltrator, since I clearly had ‘ousted’ myself. But in their fanatical revelry & adoration of Darwin, I don’t think anyone noticed.
I was mortified…My professor was Catholic and an evolutionary biologist which availed me to see where our leftist academia has orchestrated higher education to “enlighten us” (what did the serpent say?…you will be wise like God?) so that we can know better (than Him anyway) or at least look, smell, touch, taste of their fruit…And then forget all about that non-sense in that archaic black book full of myths & contradictions).
I’m sticking with a mythological manuscript that seems to know how it’s all gonna end…and all the talking points the world is gonna use along the way.
i didn’t quite understand your statement. are you saying you disagree with Brian’s position about the song and that he’s promoting falsehood? Your words were very academic and I get being in school and recognizing fallacy as I have experienced the same thing studying theory in pursuit of my BA as Human Services major. what I saw was God’s word mixed with man’s flawed rational. My belief is that all falsehood is a twisting of God’s truth i.e. wickedness. When Brian gave the definition of the word evolution I could relate to it, for me it does not mean what man says it does based on his flawed rational of life evolving from something other than God, but that all of creation was made by God and it does change over time as we move through this life by the power of Christ the living word. Man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God and it is by that word we change. I am not a scientist, so I’ll ask hasn’t creation i.e. plants and animals, environment changed over time? Anyway, just a friendly convo. 🙂
I call it the Carl Sagen song because of billions of billions of years required for the evolutionary process.
PS–and I love this song for especially how it opens up this dialog with my children & young people to delve into scripture regarding what is the big deal with transitory genders, or same-sex marriage, or finding life on Mars, or stem-cell research. Great opportunity to examine whether we as Christians are living a life that squares with pop-culture, pop-psychology, pop-medicine, pop-science, pop-music, pop-religion, pop-health, pop-technology…or a life that squares with the Author of all Wisdom and His Word.
I don’t love that it lowers itself to include such a menial mantra…and an internet article by some guy with an undergrad degree thankfully isn’t going to shake His Word or my confidence in His Word.
I cried for the first time I heard it. This song speaks for me in worshipping God. Very heartfelt song, beautifully written. The composer did really meditate and carefully think about every words in this song that could describe what God has done. God bless you.
Where do my posts keep going??
100% percent agree with El.
This author is speaking of adaptation. Evolution is completely in its own category and not to be confused.
It’s odd how things do change. It seems scientists has adapted new and more confusing language — though they have not evolved.
My early education taught me that life evolved. “Evolution” was defined as a billion year process by which a simple life transformed into a complex life form. I learned that adaptation was a life form doing just that — adapting to new conditions. Food supplies vary. Climates change. Sudden disruptions follow cataclysms. All living creatures adapt! This is provable. I remember, well, the picture of the moth changing from white to black because of pollution levels in London. Yup. Provable.
Evolution has not been proven.
In talking with a fellow teacher a few years back (a science teacher), he pointed out to me that the word “adaptation” was no longer used. “Now,” he said, “it’s called micro-evolution.” “Hmm,” I thought, “What a nice subtle manipulation of wording.”
All this to say, I don’t agree that God set up a system for creatures to evolve. I believe he set the creatures in order as they are today and that there were many many more varieties of them historically. I believe he created a system for these creatures to adapt to the conditions he would provide. They were also created to adapt to our needs. Dogs, horses, sheep, pigs, chickens, etc. were “force” adapted by humans. Please, give me one link that provides a clear example of any empirical study of provable, live, see-able, smell-able evolution. I look for them every so often but they fail to meet the criteria that science demands — empiricism.
Ken, I think you’ve got the right idea. It’s not evolution, but adaptation. To mix up the words just confuses the issue because evolution can mean so many things. Thank you for explaining it clearly.
Brian, I totally agree. But… while going to college for a degree is Psychology I was introduced to Physics. That opened up a whole new world and perspective. I’ve been a Christ follower most of my 69 years, but only in the last 16 have I developed a serious relationship with Jesus. That relationship makes me hungry for more of Him, so I totally agree that God and Science go hand in hand. Not just because God created Science as we know it, but I now have a theory on how God is literally in each of us and all of His creation.
There was the “Big Bang” at which time, 13.7 billion years ago, a ‘singularity’ quickly expanded, forming atoms, which formed stars and galaxies. And we know that in 2 Peter 3:8 we are told “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.”
My theory is that when creation began, God , as the ‘singularity’ spewed forth His atoms, thereby creating stars and galaxies, etc. etc. etc. That is how God is literally in everything. Everything is His essence.
Science has determined that atoms have a life span of more than 1025 (10 with 25 zeros after it) years, so for all practical purposes, atoms are forever”.1 And God is forever.
And another interesting thought. “Your breath is about a liter of air, and thus about 1022 atoms. The atmosphere is about 1044 atoms. The breath’s atoms will be well mixed back into the atmosphere after something like 10 years. Then, any randomly selected atmospheric atom has about a 10-22 chance (1022/1044) of being from your breath.”2
Those atoms are float around the globe being inhaled and exhaled. And since atoms live forever, the very atoms in the last breath of Jesus Christ are in everyone, believers and nonbelievers alike. God shows no favoritism. So put your prejudices and racism aside. It’s scientifically proven that everybody in the world, anything that breathes, is intertwined regardless of their color or ethnic background. We are breathing atoms from God and the Big Bang! I love the way God doles out bits of knowledge to scientists, just enough to keep them searching for Him.
1.Jefferson Life: “How long is a life span of an atom?” https://education.jlab.org/qa/radelement_03.html
2. Futurism: Estimations: Your Breath and Julius Caesar’s
https://futurism.com/estimating-how-many-molecules-you-breathe-that-were-from-julius-caesars-last-breath/
i have long wanted to see a hillsong concert.but due to our finañcial standing only my daughter was able to go.when my daughter watch the hillsong concert here in the philippines she told me to listen to SO WILL I at the youtube..when i heard the song ..i couldnt help but cry.it opens my being so uncaring to what God has done and created.it makes me realize that i as christian needs alot of changes in the way i serve our God.the way i worship and praise Him.Thank you Lord for giving wisdom to all who created and composed SO WILL I.MAY YOU CONTUNUE TO BLESS THEM IN ALL ASPECT OF RHEIR LIFE.IN JESUS NAME AMEN
Yes, micoevolution aka adaptation is something everyone believes in and is scientific. Macroevolution aka like fish becoming lizards etc. has not been scientifically recorded. In the case of Darwin’s finches, they developed different beaks, but they remained finches. That is adaptation or micoevolution if you will. To say that the changing of beaks could also prove the evolution of animals to people is not only unscientific but also fallacious. God in His incredible mercy has given every creature enough DNA so we can change to our enviroments. Because we are carnal in nature and easily deceived we must be careful when people contradict or distort God’s word to match what infallible men say. If you look for truth you will find it.
God of Your promise
You don’t speak in vain
No syllable empty or void
For once You have spoken
All nature and science
Follow the sound of Your voice
And as You speak
A hundred billion creatures catch Your breath
Evolving in pursuit of what You said
When I heard the word evolving in this song I took it not as in the Darwinian evolution or a physical change but a spiritual evolving. The billions of creatures catch God’s breath in an instant but their pursuit of God is a course, an ever evolving obedience to God’s will and so will I is in reference that I am this sinful creature who has rebelled against God but I will evolve or grow over time to be more Christ like, every day pursuing God more and more the way He created me to.
It seems to me there are more applications of the word evolve than the theory of evolution. From the moment of “Let there be light” God intended to create time … the meaning I hear in this line of one of the most eloquent songs of faith in the modern era, is about time evolving from the first breaths taken by the creatures He created.
We must avoid allowing words, other than evil, devil and lucifer, to be defined by those who are misbelievers and influencing our use of them. Many things evolve into other things … the message by the pastor evolved into a large group of people who were saved. My hobby evolved into a thriving business, etc.
The Theory of Evolution, by Darwin, where he applies the concept of emitting or rolling as Webster defines evolution, to his own observations, most of which have been disproved by mans discovery of Gods code, we know as DNA, is not mentioned in this work by Hillsong.
Therefore, we as Christians must take care to not be blown about by every wind of doctrine as we use words and term that have other meanings, as we find in words or phrases that have meanings that evolve or morph over time.
God has blessed us with many wonderful things, most especially time, that brings about change in us or evolution of our thoughts.
Choose this day which master you will serve. Enough said.
I have seen throughout the years that many church leaders do not understand the real definition of evolution. For instance, Brian Wahl, the worship leader at the Garner, NC campus of Newhope Church, stated in a blog that the Darwin experiment involving finches proved that evolution was real. He said he double-majored in Chemistry and Biology, as did I, and his explanation of evolution was “Simply, it means that a species changes over time in response to their environment. It has been proven over and over again through both scientific observation and experimentation”.
Brian’s statement is a false one. What he has described is “natural selection”, a scientific principle that the evolutionists have tried to claim as one part of the evolution hypothesis. They have done this to try and make the false evolution hypothesis credible. It has led to many false beliefs in the Christian community. The “gap theory” is one of those false beliefs. It is a shame that these church leaders do not see the lies of satan at work. God told us how He created the heaven and the earth and the time frame (six days) in which He performed His creation. Church leaders need to believe the Bible and forget the nonsense of false science and its attempt to corrupt God’s Word. Don’t misunderstand me. I believe that good science has its place, however the evolution hypothesis is nothing more than bad science.
I came across your blog post when doing a search of this song for a different reason. I actually never even picked up on the use of the word evolution in the song. Overall I think the lyrics paint a great picture of worshipping God in a mostly biblical way. I’m not a big fan of Hillsong in general. They write some solid and powerful music, but I don’t think a lot of their theology is Christian. That’s evident in a few of their songs, but mostly in what the church preachrs and who they associate with.
The one thing I don’t like about this song, which is actually a common Hillsong concern, is the hint of man-centeredness in it towards the end. Some of the lyrics give an impression that because God can, did, or does, “so will I.” As if we are little gods who have the power to do all that Jesus did. That’s just bad theology.
Anyway, just my observation!
Have you actually heard the music or read the lyrics?
“If creation sings Your praises, so will I”
“If creation still obeys You, so will I”
“If the stars were made to worship so will I”
“If the mountains bow in reverence so will I”
“If the oceans roar Your greatness so will I”
“For if everything exists to lift You high so will I”
“If the wind goes where You send it so will I”
“If the rocks cry out in silence so will I”
There’s no such a thing as an impression that because God can, did or does, so will I.
There’s only the impression that if every single thing He created is meant to worship, so will I, as I’m His creation as well.
The last few lines of the song gives the message of “Since you did, so will I”
“If You gladly chose surrender so will I”
“If You gave Your life to love them so will I”
However, referring to the original comment, I don’t really see it as man-centered theology. As Christ lives in us, we are to illuminate the character of Christ, which includes, but are not limited to, submission to the will of the father, as well as loving our neighbors as ourselves.
The power of God enables us to overcome our weak flesh and gives us strength to do things beyond normal reasoning, like loving our enemies. I don’t think of that as that we are little gods, as that implies that we naturally have the strength to overcome, but instead the power of the Spirit, who raised Christ from the dead, living in us.
I think of much greater consequence is the line at the end that seems to imply that all people are saved, which is utterly unbiblical. I know Hillsong has in their doctrine at least an element of “easy believism”, that someone claims to love God so of course they do.
When there is no mention of repentance from dead works in any of their songs, it makes it harder for me to love them. Which I still do…
I said, “You are gods, And all of you are sons of the Most High. King James Bible I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.
Psalm 82:6
Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? John 10: 34
Jesus said: “ye are gods”
We are children of God and therefore gods because the child of a dog is a dog.
As a Christian you are born not of the will of man or the flesh but of the will of God. You are born of the water and the spirit.
You have the power to be as Christ was in this earth within you. As Christ was so are you.
you know what you must read the scriptures!
John 14:12-14 ESV
12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.
13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
14 If you ask me[e] anything in my name, I will do it.
It’s normal to have worries/doubts as humans & Christians willing to know the truth. With regards to the 1 thing u don’t like about the song, prayerfully read Psalm 82:6 & trust God the Holy Spirit interpret it to u.
I think it is important that we are careful with this song because not everyone in the Church will understand the difference between what you mean as “Evolution” and ” A theory based on Evolution”.
It is important that we take the Bible’s account of creation seriously because Jesus did (Matthew 5:17-18, 24:37-39, Mark 10:6). If we think it is okay to compromise on one of most important key
bible accounts, we open the door to the idea that the Bible is not 100% “God Breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV) and therefore not 100% reliable. Check out this article by Answers in Genesis (a
biblical apologetics organization regarding this very song (the link is posted below).
https://answersingenesis.org/culture/hillsong-united-lyrics-and-evolution/?utm_source=articlesmedia&utm_medium=email&utm_content=1-banner-cta&utm_campaign=20180630&mc_cid=fb5edcca62&mc_eid=551f83ff58
. As worship leaders/team members, we need to be responsible and careful with the messages/song lyrics we are leading or sharing with people as they can be taken the wrong way or
at worst lead worshippers astray from Biblical truth . Luke 12:48b (NIV) says “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with
much, much more will be asked”. In a world of darkness that is “post truth” (without absolutes) and is willing to believe in anything that just sounds good enough, let all Christians be bright lights
that stand firm on the absolute truth of the Bible.
Yes, Why did the writers of the song feel the need to put the word evolve in the song? It’s like my Pastor mentions they try to put just a little into it and then carry on from there.
Thanks Ben. A very wise and loving response.
I am in total agreement with you. Thank you for your intelligent rebuttal to some who choose to limit God. God is true science. Otherwise, He isn’t God.
I do not believe this song is speaking of evolution as in the evolutional theory. They are speaking of evolving in the sense of pursuing God’s spoken word. They ‘evolved’, if you will, from God’s spoken word, not in the sense that atheists use the word. I could say in the over the 40+ years that I’ve walked with the Lord, I have seen my own ‘evolution’ of growth in His grace and knowledge which will never end in this life. It has nothing to do with me going from monkey to human. I see the spiritual evolution of the walk of the inmates at the women’s prison where I teach them from God’s Word. Please take into consideration that maybe you have misunderstood the meaning behind the lyrics.
God bless
Patty
I think the ‘evolving’ in the song means growing in the Christian race towards perfection as Jesus asked us to be perfect as our heavenly Father is. I have no qualms singing that particular line. Its not as Patty said an evolutionary theory thingy.
The example you provide of Darwin’s theory actually proved ADAPTATION – meaning that genes for longer & shorter beaks were already in these bird’s DNA, and those birds who got the “longer-beak” portion of DNA survived during famine. Evolution is actually systematic MUTATION, so that entirely new DNA is created. That’s how the theory goes – that fish mutated to reptiles, etc. While mutation does occur, and result is new DNA, scientific observation results that the vast majority of mutations result in such damage that the offspring is nonviable (unable to live). The odds that systematic mutation led to improved species just doesn’t hold – even over billions of years. But Adaptation does hold. I like what some worship leaders have done with “evolving in pursuit . . .” they sing “unfolding in pursuit” instead –
Good clarification Theresa. Adaption is a proven fact. Macro evolution has not been proven. Joel Houston has come out with basically a Theistic Evolution defense of this song, and has been praised by the leaders of that movement, BioLogos, at least some of whom claim there was no Adam and Eve, but a population of humans that evolved. Brian, you sound fuzzy at best on this topic. It’s critical. Following Theistic Evolution often results in people losing faith in God. And no Adam and Eve creates a whole host of theological problems. Romans 5:17
Nailed it!
Well said. Also the part about Jesus being willing to die 100 million or billion times, that struck me as off considering Moses was forbidden from entering the promised land because he “struck the rock” when God told him to speak to it only after instructing him to strike it previously, a picture of the sufficiently of Christ’s one and only atoning death. Having died once we can come to him in faith for His life giving water.Love the visuals and most of the lyrics. Enough on those two points though that I won’t be listening again or recommending it.
Yes, study of adaptation vs. evolution is fundamental. A better or more accurate word for the Genisis narrative would be “adapting” unless Darwin’s theory is meant -then “evolving” is proper.
Nick you need to read John 14 mate, especially verse 12. Jesus Himself says that we will do the works that He did, and greater works. That’s a theology that is not only biblical and the very words if Jesus Himself, but the way God reveals Himself in power to a world that doesn’t believe He exists. Jesus said if you don’t believe in my message, believe because of the works that I do. We are commissioned and anointed to carry on the ministry of Jesus until He returns. Blessings friend!
Actually totally missed that line in the song, i liked it quite a lot, the only actual line that doesnt hold theological water is,
If the sum of all our praises still falls shy
Then we’ll sing again a hundred billion times
Its very clear nothing we do will ever make us right with god. Only the cross makes us right, grace alone and no works, no 100,000,000,000 more songs can do it.
I like the sentiment but it may imply to some younger singers that they need to keep singing/praying until they get the right formula. The regularity of our praise is as a response to gods love and sacrifice, not a means to summon it to ourselves.
That may be a super petty thing to notice but if theres any line that should change it should be that; perhaps something like,
… though the sum of all our praises still falls shy
You still forgive 100,000,000,000 x
Etc.
Lol
I really like this song. Its allowing current scientific knowledge to reflect the glory of god rather than usurp it. I simply feel that worship should be entirely about the greatness of god and to declare that we will keep singing even when we fail, implies that we should therefore get a pat on the back. In fact the act of worship is just, kinda expected. If we declare christ as lord, then praising him should give us no more kudos than getting paid to do a job.
Lavish praise on god, who really doesnt have to do any of the wonderful things he does, never lavish praise on ourselves (even if it looks like we are not, the onus on that line is on us and not HIm)
Other than that of course we should sing this song. It is well made, it is passionate and has a lot of good declarations about the lord.
My first thought when I heard the controversy was “buy a dictionary, people”! Lol. Evolve just means change.
I agree with Patty, I’m evolving everyday into what God wants me to be. I love this song.
Relax and just worship God!
You’re not either a Christian or a science lover. If you were the one, you would know that evolution isn’t proved yet. There’s no one true evidence for it. Moreover, you make God a lying witness when you make such statements. If the book of Genesis isn’t true, well all the Bible isn’t true. It’s a shame that you have such a position. I tell you this being a bachelor of chemistry and a worship team member.
P. S. Check out Kent Hovind’ seminars. Also you can find a lot of useful informations here: http://www.icr.org/articles/search/?f_typeID=9 creation.com answersingenesis.org
May God bless you and open your eyes to see the truth!
In science there is a path. First it is a HYPOTHESIS, an idea, then it becomes a THEORY, which must be tested over and over again by many in the scientific community and as long as the THEORY can be found to have flaws, it does not become a LAW. A LAW in science is that THEORY which has been tested so many times that it is now irrefutable or impossible to deny or disprove. Such as “The LAW of gravity”. The problem with evolution of this kind is that it is still the THEORY OF EVOLUTION it is not the LAW OF EVOLUTION. Yet, I think because it creates a system to the world which God does not or did not need to exist, the world cleaves to the THEORY of evolution that seems to represent an existence that started from a big bang, then man somehow mutating from a slug of life in a primordial soup… Add to that the political dimension of those in politics wanting to have a world where God does not exist, so they have also clung on to the THEORY of evolution. Much like the THEORY of global warming. It seems folks rush to try to accept these scientific theories as if they are LAWS. As if to state it is the “LAW of evolution” (which it is not) or the “LAW of global warming” (which it is not). — Such as the evolutionists take one skull head, such as the Java Man skull head, and run with miles of speculation that this could be evidence of one of the mutations between ape and man, etc. It has an advanced bone structure that created a protruding eyebrow in the skull. My hypothesis on that theory would be “it was a birth defect and not a change/mutation creating a species. And they only found one skull like that because that is what humans typically do to people who are different, cast them out and make it so the physically different has to live alone. Now, I don’t have millions of dollars of grant money to spend on researching my hypothesis. But it seems relatively plausible, considering only one relic was found, and it was found alone, and knowing human was that possibly today we might have a hospital or a home where such a birth defected person might find comfort or a home, back before all these civilized amenities, one so grossly deformed would have been cast out. — But if I personally had the millions it would take to research such a thing I think it would be better spent making an attempt to promote the Gospel message. Even in our advanced culture, with technologies and Internet bases… thousands are still ding everyday and going to hell because they have not heard the Gospel message. Or is it as a culture we have not yet stood up as an example of how to live by God’s word, and people do not have that example as a guide? Or perhaps have we gotten so carried away by dissecting the minutia of language in songs that we forgot the entire reason we attempt to sing the songs? My theorry is that we spend too much time battling among ourselves as Christians over the minutia of differences that we forget the path to the Great Commission, and as the world sees us quarreling among ourselves, they cling to what ever others gods (small “g”) they have made for themselves.
Enough said, this is a beautiful worship song. Though i saw the evolving thing anf what came to my mind was how things transform to conform to what God has said… simply put, seed time and harvest will never cease and all the earth and nature and everything aligned to it…
Yes!!!
lack of dept spiritual knowledge and spiritual wisdom anyone can go through the misunderstanding way but through prayer and scripture will clarify all the confusions and mistakes. so, different believers have different view and someone evaluate according to their ability and their knowledge but we must evaluate our view through Biblical and through spiritual not by the scientifically and even with theologically. I appreciate the dept of this song and i believe that this song is inspired by Holy Spirit so those who are against with this song should read (Matthew 12:31-32).
At time when we listen to the song, we just pick out one line out of the song and we loose the flow of the thought in the song.
We have to be in the imaginary or put ourselves in the shoes of the writer and we will get the meaning or the flow of the thoughts.
There is nothing demonic about the word evolution as used in the song, it simply takes us back to Genesis 1, when God said let there be…. and everything became what he commanded and that is the change (evolution) we talking about.
Praise the Lord
I love this song so much. i am really shocked that some people are finding faults with some part of the lyrics. I cant remember when last I came across such deep lyrics. The song is so deep and brings THE ALMIGHTY GOD to the center of every thing we see around us and even things the heart cannot fathom. More grace to the Hill song family.
People just need to evolve in their trust in God, lol. This song gave me chills of joy when I attended a Hillsong worship service, and when the word “evolve” jumped, I screamed “YES!” in my head. God is so patient; he is not a magician. When you compress scientific evidence of the millions of eras of geological and biological change, you understand that God is so great, so patient, so creative, so beautiful, that you cannot begin to comprehend the magnitude. We are wordless to express one iota of who/how/when/why/where God is. That’s my God and you would almost never be able to believe this….. he is paying attention to you right now. LOVE.
I think this song is actually “made from heaven”. It has so much hindsight, insight and foresight. It is actually another level in worship and quite far from the usual showing depth of relationship with God.
I actually do not think true worshipers should have issues with the lyrics of this song…just open up!!!
Patty and Gail have said it all. Just keep it simple…and try to see though the intent of the song writer. To evolve is not just about The Theory of Evolution…google it and learn some new things.
However, well done guys
I’m scratching my head trying to understand how anyone would think “Evolve in pursuit of what you said” is about Evolution (in the human to monkey way). I’m actually laughing so hard right now. And to think it has even opened a debate that i feel the need to comment on is even more hilarious. The “Should we not sing …” dragged me here and since I”m here I’ll say for me that line means we’re being transformed, changed, perfected as we reach for our God given and spoken destiny through his word. Simple as that. I don’t know why we’re talking about Darwin and finches beaks length size. Still scratching my head…
I think people think it’s talking about evolution because the author of the song kinda said it’s about evolution (see link). And the context of the verse — talking about “nature and science” — seems to support that train of thought… I like your interpretation, though! I personally wish the lyric more explicitly communicated how you said it.
https://www.christianpost.com/news/hillsongs-joel-houston-clarifies-evolution-views-after-sparking-debate-with-worship-song-so-will-i-225510/
Brian, thanks for the video and post! Helpful insight.
I share your passion to lead God’s people into His presence through worship, as well as your love for the sciences (although I fall well short of your gifting and experience in both). I had a followup question that I think will help me understand more. You said that “…man evolving from apes is a theory based on evolution, not what ‘evolution’ itself means.” So would you define evolution as *only* the small changes we observe (e.g., natural selection at work in the changing beak sizes of finches), and *not* define it as the process that can produce one kind of animal from another kind (e.g., a whale evolving from a land-dwelling mammal) as is typically taught?
In other words, if evolution “means that a species changes over time in response to their environment”, did man *not* evolve from apes?
Thanks again!
I admit I did not read all of your blog or all of the comments. I did however, get to the part where you state the Darwinian evolution of ths finches on the galopogos shows a strong evidence for evolution. That is actually not true. Look up the book “genetic entropy” by Dr. Sanford. This will explain it.
Hello
I really can’t thank you or Taya Smith enough for the song or the issue you just clarified . That song brought revival to the ministry aspect of my life.
I took the focus as away from myself and my needs and shifted it to a God who is too big for me to worry about anything. My focus has fully turned to the purpose for which He is keeping me on earth today – souls.
And like you said, it takes an understanding of science to fully appreciate that song. I studied Mathematical Sciences and Psychology as a minor so I have an intellectual inclination to Christianity and was not very religious. But Christ is not a religion.
It’s about time we started speaking Christ to intellectuals and those who think they know too much to believe in the existence of God. Our God is unfathomably big and this song is all about that.
After reading many of these comments, and Joel Houston’s own words on the subject, we will NOT be using this song in our congregation. I am convinced that he is pushing a Theistic Evolution agenda. Some of Joel’s Words:
“Evolution is undeniable—created by God as a reflective means of displaying nature’s pattern of renewal… God created the Big-Bang… I DON’T believe in evolution as a theory of SOURCE, I believe it’s merely a pattern of nature—created by God… The Word comes before any kind of Big Bang… I believe God created humanity out of dust… and breathed his breath/Spirit into us… If God’s creative process was an easy working week, or finely crafted over six-ages of millennia, does it make Him any more or less God?”
Church leaders have a large responsibility to adhere to scripture and truth. Without compromise. Frankly, I am surprised that this song is as popular as it is and such a large number of churches.
The line goes like ‘As you SPEAK, a 100 billion creatures catch your breath, evolving in pursuit of what You’ve said. If it all reveals Your nature…It’s apparent that this line actually discredits the evolution that we were taught in science classes but rather gives credit to the Creator. The Creator spoke and creatures started forming (evolving) as per God’s word not the gradual evolution we are taught. The song talks about the story of creation to the 8 billion of us today. It talks about the superiority of God’s voice over all nature and science. I feel sorry that your god is so little as to not give you the discernment that our Almighty God has given the rest of us. In Love.
I feel sorry for you Jonathan. I pray someday God will give you more wisdom…
When I first heard the some a few months ago my perception was that it is way too busy. It throws too much stuff at you. Some of it is very thought provoking though but the author ventures into ares that could easily confuse many worshippers.
I was at one time practically a Hillsong groupie but when I found out they were Word of Faith I stopped buying their albums. Cityalight, which is also Australian, is a much more biblically sound option.
You must have an open mind to hear the words that give God all the glory for creation. Not evolution! We as people and animals have evolved, that is undeniable. Some critics will find fault in every manner of worship. This song really stirs my emotions and makes me feel closer to God. I will not be discouraged by others who are so critical.
Should have explained the difference is macro evolution and microevolution. The finches are an example of microevolution. These are changes in a species over a short period of time. It is Observable over time. I think this is what the song is talking about. The other, macroevolution is that of humans evolving from apes. That is the false belief.