Chinese-American rapper MC Jin highlights the necessity of having fruit-bearing faith in Christ in his new single, "Hypocrite," which is scheduled to be released Tuesday.
Despite being inducted into the BET Hall of Fame for winning seven consecutive freestyle battles, Asian-American rapper MC Jin had an unsuccessful debut with the Ruff Ryders record label. He soon afterward became a Christian, and has since shifted the focus of his music to his faith in Christ. MC Jin has also acted in several films, including "The Man with the Iron Fists" and the upcoming Martin Scorsese film, "Revenge of the Green Dragons."
In his new album, MC Jin reflects on the authenticity of his own faith, and how being a follower of Christ has affected his lifestyle. While making the EP, the born-again Christian challenged himself to be "honest and open and transparent." The single is a double-chapter title track with Black and Gold versions. MC Jin begins "Hypocrite" by reflecting on the conviction that the Holy Spirit brought after he had read Matthew 23, where Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for their hypocrisy:
"Then Jesus said to the crowds and to His disciples, 'The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice'" (English Standard Version, Matthew 23:1-3).
"Could it be it's just all hypocrisy? I'm a modern-day Pharisee?" MC Jin asks - "What's the use if I know the law, but the true and living God I never knew at all?" He exhorts himself and other followers of Christ to walk in obedience to the Lord with hearts that are devoted to Him. Obeying God's commands is futile if you have not placed your faith in Christ's righteousness and death on the cross as your only means of salvation; this was the very thing that the Pharisees lacked.
Those redeemed in Christ have a gratitude and love for God which compels us to walk in His ways, by the power of the Holy Spirit. MC Jin warns those who proclaim to know Christ that their faith and deeds cannot be inconsistent - "Only faith brings forth righteousness, yet I can't neglect how I live and behave 'cause faith without works will only end up in the grave," he says (see James 2:14-26).
"I've got to practice what I preach," says MC Jin - "The last thing I want to be is a hypocrite." His EP will be released in early December, and fans who order a Snapback hat before November 19 will receive the new single for free.
