The Power of God’s Word in Music

By Dr. Rata

At Grace Theological Seminary, seminary education is deeply personal. This theological education is shaped by faculty who invest in students as a whole person academically, spiritually, and personally. In this post, Dr. Rata invites you into his story, sharing how he sees the power of God’s Word through music and how it has influenced his calling and teaching at Grace Theological Seminary.

The Beginnings

I grew up in Romania, where music was woven into the fabric of our culture. My dad was the choir director at our church, and from an early age, I was surrounded by the harmonies of worship and community singing. Many families in Romania sent their children to music school, as families in the United States would enroll their children in sports.

When I was in first grade, I began attending music school to learn the piano. I continued practicing until eighth grade, and although it wasn’t always easy, those years instilled in me lessons that have shaped my life and my view of music.

Learning Discipline and Order

As a child, practicing piano and learning music theory were not my favorite activities. Still, they have taught me the value of consistency, order, and discipline. Music reflects the orderliness of God. 

As Christians, we often lean into the emotional side of worship, focusing on how the song makes us feel. But God’s creation, much like music, is also structured and very precise. Every chord and rhythm is bound by rules that work together to form a masterpiece. We sing “Amazing Grace,” not “Amazing Discipline,” yet both values reflect the nature of God.

When I think of God’s creativity, I see it in the same way I see music. As the notes and chords blend into melodies, every detail of nature and the human body fits together perfectly to create something beautiful and functional, beautifully portraying the power of God’s Word.

A God of Beauty

God is a God of beauty, even when it comes from brokenness. I am reminded of Noah and the rainbow, showcasing the promise in God’s Word after the flood. Similarly, music allows us to express creativity as image bearers of our Creator.

Music is a part of the biblical record from the beginning. In Job 38:7, God’s Word tells us that “the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy.” The Psalms themselves were songs of lament and praise to God. Psalm 150:6 says, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”

The Power of God’s Word in Song

It is the power of God’s Word that shapes people. When put into song, it can impact and change lives the way that only God’s Word can. When my father passed away, I found comfort in songs about Heaven. The truths of Scripture became living reminders of hope through melody.

This is why I believe music is such a powerful vehicle for God’s Word. When we sing the Truth, we reinforce it in our hearts. Meditating on God’s Word becomes prayer, praise, and proclamation all at once.

The Ministry of Music 

As a professor at Grace Theological Seminary, I like to start every class with a song. Beginning each class with the power of God’s word through music helps to bring the whole class together. In the world we live in, Satan’s lies constantly bombard us. Singing reminds students of the Truth, and it is a great way to start the day.

As a pastor, I have seen how meditating on God’s Word through worship impacts lives. With every message, I end with a song. After the message, people consistently tell me how much they enjoyed it and how much it meant to them.

I also have the privilege of directing a men’s choir, Brothers in Harmony. Men from all different churches in the area come together to be part of the choir and sing. This reminds me of the body of Christ as we all become unified through song, praising God.

Praising God Through Music

This is what I want to leave you with: Glorify God through the music that you sing and play. It is all for His glory. As you use your gifts, the Church is strengthened and edified. Through music, someone might even come to the saving knowledge of Christ.

The best way to begin each day is to open God’s Word and praise God. Do it not as a formality, but as an intentional act of worship. Let your voice, your instruments, and your heart reflect the glory of the One who created music itself!

This is also the heart of Grace Theological Seminary. At this theological seminary, seminary education is shaped by worship, Scripture, and a desire to glorify God through every gift He has given. Grace Theological Seminary exists to equip students to serve Christ and His Church faithfully.

Tiberius Rata, Associate Dean of the School of Ministry Studies and Professor of Old Testament Studies, focuses on instilling a love for God and His inerrant Word in students, remembering the words of Ezra 7:10: “For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the LORD, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel.” Rata wants his ministry students to become pastors who can preach and teach God’s word passionately and accurately, with a strong foundation on the principles of Scripture. In this, he hopes they can be pillars in their churches, leaders in their workplaces, and model citizens in their communities.