Theology in Country Music: Are You Riding The Long Black Train

The song “Long Black Train” has its obvious spiritual lessons.  Here are three things that I have taken and learned from this song.  I’m sure you can think of a few for yourselves, but here is what I feel is important.

1.  It is a long black train. This means that there is room for many passangers on the road to nowhere, on the road to destruction, on the road to hell.  The Bible tells us in Matthew 7:14 Because^[a] narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.  The road to hell is broad, and many choose it, and the enemy is happy to lead them there.  Jesus said in John 14:16  that he is “The way, the truth, and the life, and that no one can come to the Father (God) except through him. ”  This is the exclusive claim of Christianity.  Christianity is not one of many ways to to God, it is the only way to God.  More on this on my third point.

2.  The song mentions that the train that the devil has is shiny. II Corinthians 7: 12-14 declares: ¹² But I will continue doing what I have always done. This will undercut those who are looking for an opportunity to boast that their work is just like ours. ¹³ These people are false apostles. They are deceitful workers who disguise themselves as apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ But I am not surprised! Even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. ¹⁵ So it is no wonder that his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. In the end they will get the punishment their wicked deeds deserve.  The enemy disguises himself as an angel of light and deceives many.  He promises fullfillment through false promises such as sex, money, religon, drugs, etc.  All these lead to hell and destruction when misused.

3.  You do not have to get on or stay on the devil’s train. You can burn your ticket, or get off when you accept Christ as Lord and Savior.  Most everyone knows the classic verse of  John 3:16 ” For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  Again Christ is the only way to God.  I like what Charles Stanley says, and I am paraphrasing, Christianity is exclusive in that only those who know Christ will get into heaven, but inclusive in that everyone is invited to get in,

In conclusion  this song has many spriritual points and lessons, but I tell you, if you are on that train accept Christ and get off becasue you are on your way to nowhere.  There is Victory in the Lord,  In fact there is another train you can ride.  More on that in the next post

until next time

“Victory in the Lord I say, Victory in the Lord”

pastor greg t.