Church
The nature and purpose of the church as the body of Christ
Key Scriptures
- Ephesians 4:11-16
- 1 Peter 2:9-10
- Matthew 16:18
Common Errors
- Individualism
- Institutional idolatry
- Neglecting ordinances
Doctrinal Categories
These are the core theological categories we use when evaluating worship songs. Sound worship music should align with Scripture's teaching on these essential doctrines.
Building on Solid Ground
Our analysis framework is grounded in the historic Christian creeds (Nicene, Apostles', Athanasian) and the Reformation principle of Sola Scriptura. We evaluate songs based on their faithfulness to these doctrines that have united the Church across centuries.
While Christians may disagree on secondary matters, the categories below represent primary doctrines where deviation constitutes serious theological error.
Eschatology
The doctrine of last things: Christ's return, resurrection, judgment
Key Scriptures
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
- Revelation 21:1-4
- Matthew 24
Common Errors
- Date setting
- Over-realized eschatology
- Neglecting future hope
God's Character
The attributes of God: sovereignty, holiness, love, justice, mercy
Key Scriptures
- Isaiah 6:3
- Romans 11:33-36
- 1 John 4:8
Common Errors
- Denying sovereignty
- Love without justice
- Making God in our image
Gospel
The good news of salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone
Key Scriptures
- Ephesians 2:8-9
- Romans 3:23-26
- 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Common Errors
- Works-righteousness
- Easy believism
- Prosperity gospel
Salvation
The work of Christ in redemption: atonement, justification, sanctification
Key Scriptures
- Romans 5:8-11
- Hebrews 9:22
- Titus 3:4-7
Common Errors
- Denying substitution
- Synergism
- Loss of salvation
Scripture
The Bible as the inspired, inerrant, and sufficient Word of God
Key Scriptures
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
- 2 Peter 1:20-21
- Psalm 19:7-11
Common Errors
- Denying inerrancy
- Adding to Scripture
- Ignoring Scripture
Trinity
The doctrine that God is one Being eternally existing in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Key Scriptures
- Matthew 28:19
- 2 Corinthians 13:14
- John 1:1
Common Errors
- Modalism
- Tritheism
- Subordinationism
Worship
How we are called to worship God
Key Scriptures
- John 4:23-24
- Psalm 95:1-7
- Romans 12:1
Grounded in the Creeds
The Nicene Creed (325/381 AD)
Affirms the full deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, and salvation through Christ's incarnation, death, and resurrection.
The Apostles' Creed
Summarizes apostolic teaching on God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, the Church, forgiveness, resurrection, and eternal life.
The Athanasian Creed
Provides detailed explanation of the Trinity and the two natures of Christ, guarding against modalism, Arianism, and other heresies.
Evaluate Songs by Doctrine
Use these categories as a lens for evaluating the worship songs in your church's repertoire. Ask: "What does this song teach about God? About salvation? About the Christian life?"