Mortification - The Cost Lyrics
Lyrics
In 1920, a young man of 14
Declared himself to be, a preacher of the faith
Second World War
A German who loved the Lord
Preached for all to hear, facing all adversity
The cost, of discipleship
The cost, to stand against all evil
Deitrich Bonhoeffer
Lived and was martyred for the
Christian faith.
The cross, we all must bear
The cross, under which there is no fear
Live and die, for what we believe
No liberal theology
In the 1940's, a hero of the faith
Refused to stop preaching the gospel
He saw the evil in the Third Reich
Had to protect the weak and the oppressed.
He rescued the Jews to neutral Switzerland
Stood for the Lord, in the face of Hitler
Martyred for his faith, 9 days before freedom
Are we prepared to die for our faith in
Jesus Christ
Now fear is gone as we long for home.
The true church, that is a miracle
Standing for Christ, in the face of death
The cost 9x
Video
Mortification - The Cost
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on March 1, 2015, as part of their album *Realm of the Skelataur*, Mortification’s track "The Cost" delivers a potent and timely message, drawing a stark picture of unwavering faith in the face of immense adversity. The song immediately introduces us to the powerful narrative of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a young man who, at the age of fourteen in 1920, declared himself a preacher of the Christian faith. His story unfolds against the brutal backdrop of the Second World War, specifically highlighting his courageous stand as a German who loved the Lord, preaching for all to hear and facing severe opposition. Bonhoeffer's life becomes the central illustration of what the song defines as "the cost of discipleship," underscoring the profound sacrifices demanded to uphold one's convictions.
The heart of "The Cost" resonates with Bonhoeffer's active resistance to the Third Reich's evil, portraying him as a hero who refused to cease preaching the gospel and felt compelled to protect the weak and oppressed. The lyrics highlight his bravery in rescuing Jewish people to neutral Switzerland, directly confronting Hitler's tyrannical regime. This is not just a historical recounting but a pointed question posed to everyone who engages with the song: are we prepared to live and die for what we believe? Bonhoeffer's ultimate martyrdom, occurring just nine days before freedom, serves as a stark reminder of the ultimate price some pay for their fidelity to Christ, a life lived without compromise, explicitly rejecting "liberal theology" that might dilute the gospel's challenging demands.
The central theme, "the cost of discipleship," is deeply rooted in biblical teaching, echoing Jesus's direct call in Matthew 16:24: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." This isn't a mere suggestion but a foundational requirement for genuine faith, a commitment that Bonhoeffer exemplified by "standing against all evil." His actions reflect a practical application of Ephesians 6:12, where believers are exhorted to contend against spiritual forces of wickedness, demonstrating that faith is not passive but calls for active resistance to injustice. Bonhoeffer’s courage in protecting the vulnerable speaks to the very heart of Christ’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves and to seek justice, even when it means personal peril.
The recurring motif of "the cross, we all must bear," is profoundly significant. It symbolizes not only suffering and sacrifice but also the complete alignment of one's life with Christ's mission and His ultimate redemption. The song boldly proclaims that "under which there is no fear," a powerful truth illuminated by Scripture. Philippians 1:21 declares, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain," articulating the radical freedom found in surrendering one's life to God. Similarly, 2 Timothy 1:7 assures us that God has not given us "a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." This spiritual fearlessness is what empowered Bonhoeffer to stand against overwhelming evil and to act decisively to protect the innocent.
The song’s rejection of "liberal theology" emphasizes a steadfast adherence to core Christian doctrine, challenging any interpretation that might shy away from the demanding nature of discipleship. This call for unwavering truth finds its resonance in Jude 1:3, which encourages believers to "contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." It’s a call to uphold the truth, even when it’s unpopular or dangerous. The culminating question, "Are we prepared to die for our faith in Jesus Christ?" is designed to provoke introspection, forcing a confrontation with one's ultimate loyalties. Revelation 12:11 speaks of those who conquered "by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death," a testament to the supreme commitment asked of believers.
Finally, "The Cost" concludes with a powerful affirmation of "the true church, that is a miracle / Standing for Christ, in the face of death." This highlights the enduring, divinely sustained nature of the body of Christ, even when facing persecution unto death. Matthew 16:18 promises that "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," signifying the miraculous resilience and eternal purpose of the church. Mortification's "The Cost" is more than a historical recount; it is a spiritual challenge, a profound meditation on the demands of authentic faith, and a stirring reminder that true devotion to Christ often involves a sacrificial journey, where the ultimate prize is found in an eternal home, free from fear, standing firm in what we believe.