CeCe Winans - By Thy Blood (Worthy Is The Lamb) Lyrics
Lyrics
Worthy is the Lamb, Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb, on High
(repeat)
Thou art worthy to take the book
To open the seals thereof
For Thou was slain and has redeemed us
To God by Thy blood
By Thy blood, by Thy blood
By Thy blood, by Thy blood
(repeat)
Thou art worthy to take the book
To open the seals thereof
For Thou was slain and has redeemed us
To God by Thy blood
By Thy blood, every kindred and tongue
By Thy blood, all people in every nation
By Thy blood, we're kings and priests
We shall reign, by Thy blood
By Thy blood, heaven and earth are saying
By Thy blood, blessing and honor and glory
By Thy blood, and power beyond to Him
Upon the throne
(Bridge)
By Thy blood,
By Thy blood (for it's only)
By Thy blood, ever kindred and tongue
By Thy blood, all people in every nation
By Thy blood, we're kings and priests
We shall reign, by Thy blood
By Thy blood
Video
By The Blood (Worthy Is The Lamb)
Meaning & Inspiration
CeCe Winans’ “By Thy Blood (Worthy Is The Lamb),” released on July 23, 2018, stands as a profound declaration, drawing deeply from the theological wellspring of Christian faith. This powerful anthem does not merely offer a song; it delivers a resonant catechesis on the core tenets of redemption and divine worthiness. At its heart, the composition centers on the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, often referred to in Scripture as "the Lamb," a poignant imagery rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system and culminating in John the Baptist's declaration in John 1:29, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" The song immediately establishes this foundational truth, repeating the refrain "Worthy is the Lamb, on High," echoing the celestial worship described throughout the book of Revelation, particularly in Revelation 5:12, where myriad voices proclaim the Lamb's worthiness to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise.
The narrative deepens as the lyrics turn to Revelation 5:9, stating, "Thou art worthy to take the book, to open the seals thereof, for Thou was slain and has redeemed us to God by Thy blood." This verse is pivotal, revealing why the Lamb is uniquely worthy: His sacrificial death. In the apocalyptic vision, no one in heaven or on earth could open the scroll and its seals, which represent God's divine plan and judgment, until Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, appeared as a slain Lamb, capable of breaking the seals (Revelation 5:2-5). His crucifixion, the shedding of "Thy blood," is the ultimate act of atonement, reconciling humanity to God. It’s through this blood that believers are bought back, set free from the bondage of sin, and brought into a covenant relationship with the Creator, fulfilling passages like Ephesians 1:7, which states, "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace." This profound truth underscores that our very access to God and the promise of eternal life are entirely predicated on Christ's finished work.
Winans skillfully expands on the transformative power of this redemptive blood. The repeated phrase "By Thy blood" serves as a spiritual anchor, connecting the sacrifice to its sweeping implications. The song emphasizes the universal reach of salvation, declaring, "By Thy blood, every kindred and tongue, By Thy blood, all people in every nation." This echoes Revelation 5:9 again, and Revelation 7:9-10, where a great multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language stands before the throne, clad in white robes, worshipping God and the Lamb. This vision portrays a unity born not of human effort but of divine grace, made possible solely by the atoning work of Christ. Furthermore, the song elevates the status of believers: "By Thy blood, we're kings and priests, we shall reign, by Thy blood." This powerful affirmation draws directly from Revelation 1:6 and 5:10, where Christ "has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father," and we "will reign on the earth." It speaks to the believer's new identity and destiny, empowering them with a divine purpose and the promise of future glory, not through personal merit, but purely "by Thy blood."
The final sections of the song broaden the scope of worship, envisioning a cosmic chorus: "By Thy blood, heaven and earth are saying, By Thy blood, blessing and honor and glory and power beyond to Him upon the throne." This directly quotes Revelation 5:13, illustrating that the Lamb's worthiness elicits adoration from all creation. It’s a call to join the celestial assembly in ascribing ultimate praise to God and the Lamb for their unparalleled acts of creation and redemption. The profound message resonates that the blood of Jesus is not merely a historical event but an eternal truth, impacting both the spiritual and physical realms. It defines our past (redemption), shapes our present (identity), and secures our future (reigning). Through its potent, biblically-rich lyrics, "By Thy Blood (Worthy Is The Lamb)" serves as an inspiring declaration of Christ's supreme sacrifice and His eternal worthiness, inviting all who hear to participate in the endless worship of the one who gave everything. It’s a melodic sermon, affirming the ultimate victory and authority achieved through Christ's blood, which remains the cornerstone of faith and the source of all blessing.