Austin Stone Worship - Hallelujah What a Savior Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
Man of sorrows, what a name
For the Son of God who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim
Hallelujah! What Savior
Verse 2
Stand unclean, no one else could
In my place condemned He stood
Now His nearness is my good
Hallelujah! What a Savior
Chorus
Hallelujah, praise to the one
Whose blood has pardoned me
Oh what a Savior, Redeemer and King
Your love has rescued me
Verse 3
Lifted up was He to die
"It is finished!" was His cry
Now in Heaven lifted high
Hallelujah! What a Savior
Verse 4
When He comes, our Glorious King
All His ransomed home to bring
Then anew this song we'll sing
Hallelujah! What a Savior
Hallelujah! What a Savior
Chorus (x2)
Video
The Austin Stone - Hallelujah, What a Savior (Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Austin Stone Worship's "Hallelujah What a Savior," first shared with the world through its lyric video on September 21, 2014, immediately anchors itself in the enduring narrative of Christian faith. This profound composition serves not merely as a song but as a theological journey, guiding the worshiper through the epic scope of Christ’s redemptive work. While not a classic hymn in the traditional sense, its structure and thematic depth evoke the timeless power of sacred music, drawing its essence directly from the Gospel message. It’s a contemporary expression of foundational truths, crafted to lead communities into a deeper understanding and adoration of Jesus Christ.
The song's meaning is inextricably linked to the very heart of Christian doctrine: the incarnation, life, death, resurrection, ascension, and eventual return of Jesus. It is a declaration of God’s plan of salvation, seen through the lens of Christ’s sacrifice and victory. The "story behind" this song is not a personal anecdote, but the grand narrative of Scripture itself, articulated in a way that is both accessible and deeply reverent. Each verse builds upon the last, progressively unveiling the multifaceted wonder of what Christ accomplished for humanity, culminating in a joyful, worshipful response.
The opening verse, "Man of sorrows, what a name / For the Son of God who came / Ruined sinners to reclaim / Hallelujah! What a Savior," immediately sets a somber yet hopeful tone. It directly references Isaiah 53:3, portraying Jesus as the one intimately acquainted with suffering, a truth that underscores His shared humanity and unparalleled empathy. This "Man of sorrows" is simultaneously "the Son of God," highlighting the divine paradox of God taking on human frailty. His mission to "reclaim ruined sinners" points to scriptures like 1 Timothy 1:15, where Paul declares that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners," revealing the purpose of His painful journey: to bring reconciliation to a broken humanity. The verse lays the groundwork for understanding the incredible condescension of God for our sake.
Moving to the second verse, "Stand unclean, no one else could / In my place condemned He stood / Now His nearness is my good / Hallelujah! What a Savior," the personal application of Christ's work becomes profoundly clear. This speaks directly to the concept of substitutionary atonement, where Jesus, "who knew no sin, became sin for us" (2 Corinthians 5:21), standing in the place of the guilty. Romans 5:8 reinforces this: "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." The transformation from condemned to having God's "nearness" as one's good echoes Psalm 73:28, "But for me it is good to be near God." This shift from spiritual separation to intimate communion is the core of the Gospel's transforming power.
The recurring chorus, "Hallelujah, praise to the one / Whose blood has pardoned me / Oh what a Savior, Redeemer and King / Your love has rescued me," serves as the song's joyful focal point and theological summary. "Hallelujah," meaning "Praise the Lord," is the appropriate response to the profound truth just presented. It is the blood of Christ that grants pardon, a truth declared in Ephesians 1:7, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins." Jesus is celebrated not just as a "Savior" but also as "Redeemer" (one who buys back, as in Galatians 3:13) and "King" (exercising ultimate authority, as in Revelation 19:16). The declaration "Your love has rescued me" encapsulates the foundational motivation behind the entire divine plan, affirming God's unfailing love as the driving force behind our salvation (John 3:16).
Verse three, "Lifted up was He to die / 'It is finished!' was His cry / Now in Heaven lifted high / Hallelujah! What a Savior," guides us to the climax of the crucifixion and its aftermath. The phrase "lifted up" carries dual meaning: the physical act of being raised on the cross (John 12:32) and the subsequent exaltation. "It is finished!" (John 19:30) is not a cry of defeat but a declaration of complete victory, signifying that the work of atonement was perfectly accomplished, leaving nothing more to be done for salvation. His subsequent state of being "in Heaven lifted high" speaks to His ascension and exaltation at the right hand of God, as detailed in Acts 2:33 and Philippians 2:9-11, where God "highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name." This progression from suffering to sovereignty highlights the comprehensive triumph of Christ.
Finally, verse four, "When He comes, our Glorious King / All His ransomed home to bring / Then anew this song we'll sing / Hallelujah! What a Savior," turns our gaze to the future hope. This verse speaks to the Second Coming of Christ, a foundational promise throughout the New Testament (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). He returns as "our Glorious King," an image of power and majesty, not as the suffering servant. His purpose is to "bring all His ransomed home," gathering His church for eternity. This anticipation of His return and the eternal dwelling with God's people (Revelation 21:3-4) inspires a renewed song of praise, signifying that the "Hallelujah! What a Savior" will be sung throughout eternity, never losing its profound meaning or power.
"Hallelujah What a Savior" by Austin Stone Worship is a masterful work, systematically presenting the Gospel story from Christ's humble beginning to His glorious return. It does not merely state facts but invites a deeply personal and corporate response of worship. The carefully chosen language, steeped in biblical truth, ensures that each line carries significant theological weight, designed to draw hearts and minds toward a deeper appreciation for the person and work of Jesus Christ. This song stands as a powerful testament to the enduring message of redemption, inspiring all who engage with it to lift their voices in praise to the One who is indeed a wonderful Savior.