David Phelps - End Of The Beginning Lyrics
Lyrics
I was takin' a trip on a plane the other day
Just wishing that I could get out.
When the man next to me saw the book in my hand
And asked me what it was about.
So I settled back in my seat-
"A best seller," I said.
"A history, a mystery in one."
And then I opened up the book and began to read
From Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
He was born of a virgin one holy night
In the little town of Bethlehem.
Angels gathered round him underneath the stars
Singing praises to the great I Am.
He walked on the water, healed the lame and made the blind to see again.
And for the first time here on earth we learned that God could be a friend.
And though he never ever did a single thing wrong
The angry crowd chose him. And then he walked down the road
And died on the cross and that was the end of the beginning.
"That's not a new book that's a bible," he said, "and I've heard it all before.
I've tried religion- its shame and guilt and I don't need it anymore.
It's superstition, made up tales and just to help the weak to survive."
"Let me read it again," I said, "listen closely, 'cause this is gonna change your life.
He was born of a virgin one holy night
In the little town of Bethlehem.
Angels gathered round him underneath the stars
Singing praises to the great I Am.
He walked on the water, healed the lame and made the blind to see again.
And for the first time here on earth we learned that God could be a friend.
And though he never ever did a single thing wrong
The angry crowd chose him. And then he walked down the road
And died on the cross and that was the end of the beginning.
"The end of the beginning," he said with a smile.
"What more could there be? He's dead.
You said they hung him, put nails in His hands
And a crown of thorns on His head."
I said, "I'll read it again but this time there's more,
And I believe that this is true.
His death wasn't the end, the beginning of life
That's completed in you.
Don't you see he did all this for you!"
He was born of a virgin one holy night
In the little town of Bethlehem
All the angles singing praises to the great I am
He walked on the water, healed the lame,
And made the blind to see
(And for the first time here on earth)
Did you know that God could be a friend.
Tho He never ever did a single thing wrong,
He was the one the crowd chose.
Then he walked and he died but
Three days later
Three days later
Three days later
He rose!
Three days later he rose!
You see he came, he lived, and he died.
But that was the end of the beginning.
Video
Bill & Gloria Gaither - End of the Beginning [Live] ft. David Phelps
Meaning & Inspiration
David Phelps' "End of the Beginning," released in 2009 as part of the "End of the Beginning (Performance Track) - EP," offers a profound and accessible exploration of the Christian narrative, framed through a simple yet impactful dialogue. The song opens with a relatable scenario: a traveler on a plane, seeking solace in a book. This humble beginning sets the stage for a profound encounter, where a casual conversation about the Gospels transforms into a powerful testament to the redemptive power of faith. The narrative artfully depicts the skeptic’s initial dismissal of the Bible as mere "shame and guilt" or "superstition," a common hurdle for many who have encountered or are wary of organized religion. Phelps, through the song’s narrator, doesn't argue but rather invites a deeper listen, a chance to re-examine the familiar story with fresh eyes, emphasizing that this is not just an ancient text but a life-altering message.
The core of the song unpacks the life and significance of Jesus Christ, drawing directly from the foundational accounts in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. It recounts the miraculous birth in Bethlehem, the divine pronouncements of angels, and the public ministry marked by incredible acts of healing and compassion. The lyric, "And for the first time here on earth we learned that God could be a friend," beautifully captures a revolutionary aspect of the Incarnation—God’s tangible presence and relational accessibility to humanity. This echoes passages like John 1:14, which states, "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." The song then confronts the ultimate sacrifice, the crucifixion, acknowledging its perceived finality by the world. This moment, the crucifixion, is poignantly labeled as "the end of the beginning," a phrase that encapsulates the paradoxical nature of Christ’s death within the larger divine plan. As the skeptic initially perceives it, the story seems to conclude with suffering and defeat, aligning with the world's view of such events.
However, the song pivots dramatically with the narrator’s insistence on reading further, revealing the crucial, often overlooked, climax of the Gospel message. The repeated chorus, this time with a vital addition, underscores the resurrection. The emphasis on "Three days later... He rose!" is the turning point, the true fulfillment of the "beginning." This revelation directly confronts the skepticism and transforms the narrative from one of tragic conclusion to one of ultimate victory. The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, validating Christ’s claims and offering hope beyond death. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:14, "And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." The song powerfully articulates this truth, explaining that Christ's death was not the end, but rather the catalyst for new life, a life that is offered and completed in the believer. The closing affirmation, "Don't you see he did all this for you!" serves as a direct invitation to personal reception of this redemptive work, highlighting the selfless love and ultimate purpose behind Christ's sacrifice. "End of the Beginning" is more than just a song; it's a compelling invitation to rediscover the foundational message of Christianity, emphasizing that the true story, the one that leads to abundant life, begins with understanding the triumphant conclusion of Christ's earthly mission.