Chris Tomlin - I Believe In Jesus Lyrics
Lyrics
There is a savior for the sinner
He is my friend and my forgiver
There is new mercy that flows like rivers
It washes me
It washes me
I believe in Jesus
He is the Son of God
He died and rose to save my soul
I confess that He is Lord
There is a cross that reminds me
There’s only one who is worthy
And there is a grave forever empty
Oh I believe
Yes I believe, oh
You are Lord
You are Lord
I confess You are Lord
My salvation, my reward
You are all I’m living for
You are Lord
You are Lord
I confess You are Lord
Every knee will bow before
Jesus Christ forevermore
Music video by Chris Tomlin performing I Believe In Jesus (Visualizer). Sparrow Records; © 2022
Video
Chris Tomlin - I Believe In Jesus (Official Visualizer)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released in 2022 as part of his album *Always*, Chris Tomlin's "I Believe In Jesus" is a powerful declaration of faith that resonates with the core tenets of Christian belief. The song’s genesis lies in Tomlin’s desire to craft a worship anthem that clearly articulates the foundational truths of Christianity, serving as both a personal testimony and a communal affirmation of Christ's salvific work. The narrative of the song is rooted in the profound understanding of Jesus’s role as Redeemer, a concept vividly portrayed through its lyrical tapestry. It speaks of a "savior for the sinner," a powerful reminder of humanity's fallen state and the divine provision for its redemption, echoing the message found in Romans 3:23 that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The lyrics further emphasize Jesus's multifaceted identity as a "friend and my forgiver," a testament to the intimate relationship believers can have with Christ and the cleansing power of His sacrifice, mirroring the promises in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The imagery of "new mercy that flows like rivers" beautifully captures the inexhaustible and ever-present grace of God, a truth underscored by Lamentations 3:22-23, which states, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." This cleansing and renewing power is central to the song's message, as it acknowledges that this grace "washes me," symbolizing the spiritual purification offered through faith in Jesus.
The central refrain, "I believe in Jesus," is not merely a statement of intellectual assent but a deeply personal conviction that underpins the entire song. Tomlin articulates the foundational belief that "He is the Son of God," a crucial affirmation of Jesus's divine nature, as proclaimed throughout Scripture, including John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." The lyrics directly address the redemptive act of Jesus: "He died and rose to save my soul," a clear reference to the Gospel's central narrative of the crucifixion and resurrection, which brings salvation and the promise of eternal life, as described in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. The confession, "I confess that He is Lord," is a pivotal moment, signifying submission and acknowledgment of Christ's supreme authority over one's life, a commitment echoed in Romans 10:9: "because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." The imagery of the cross serves as a constant reminder of His sacrifice and "only one who is worthy," a singular focus on Christ’s unique ability to atone for sins, aligning with the message in Acts 4:12 that "there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." The profound truth of the "grave forever empty" is a powerful testament to the victory over death, the cornerstone of Christian hope, as Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:55, "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The song culminates in a resounding declaration of Christ's sovereignty, "You are Lord," a recognition that extends to every nation and tongue, as prophesied in Philippians 2:10-11: "so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." "I Believe In Jesus" is more than just a song; it’s an invitation to embrace the transformative power of faith, a robust articulation of timeless truths that continue to inspire and encourage believers worldwide.