Deliverance - Greetings Of Death Lyrics
Lyrics
It has been appointed once for a man to die
But after this the judgement
Once the appointment has been made
Nothing can be done to change it
No need to be afraid of the greetings of death
Will you be wrapped in the chains of torment?
Or pass from life unto death?
The power of death knows not one
But to live you must die
Life is for those who have offered their lives
To live is Christ to die is to gain
Are you afraid to die?
Don't be afraid
Of the greetings of death
Video
Greetings of Death
Meaning & Inspiration
Deliverance’s "Greetings Of Death," released on November 6, 2014, dives headfirst into one of humanity's most universal and often feared experiences: death. Rather than shying away from this profound subject, the song confronts it with a bold, unflinching Christian perspective, turning apprehension into an opportunity for spiritual reflection and hope. The very title, "Greetings Of Death," challenges our innate aversion, suggesting a welcome or acceptance rather than dread. This is not a casual musing but a direct engagement with eternal truths, aiming to reshape our understanding of mortality through the lens of faith.
The song's core message is built upon the undeniable reality of death, proclaiming, "It has been appointed once for a man to die, but after this the judgement." This powerful line directly echoes Hebrews 9:27, establishing a foundational biblical truth: death is an inescapable appointment for every person, and it is inextricably linked to a subsequent judgment. There is no escaping this divine decree; as the lyrics state, "Once the appointment has been made, nothing can be done to change it." This isn't meant to instill fear of death itself, but rather to highlight the absolute certainty of what awaits us beyond this earthly life, urging us to consider our spiritual standing.
However, the song quickly shifts from the inevitability of death to an invitation to liberation from its terror, declaring, "No need to be afraid of the greetings of death." This transformation of fear into peace is central to the Christian message. The lyrics then pose a pivotal question: "Will you be wrapped in the chains of torment? Or pass from life unto death?" This stark contrast underscores the two possible eternal destinations. The "chains of torment" allude to eternal separation from God, a consequence of rejecting His grace, as described in passages like Matthew 25:41. Conversely, "passing from life unto death" for the believer is not an end but a transition, crossing over from spiritual death to eternal life with Christ, as promised in John 5:24 where it states that whoever believes in Jesus "has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." For the follower of Christ, death loses its sting, its victory swallowed up, echoing 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, because Christ Himself conquered death.
The song further explores a profound spiritual paradox: "The power of death knows not one, but to live you must die." This speaks not of physical suicide, but of dying to self, to sin, and to the desires of the world in order to truly live for Christ. This concept is deeply embedded in Scripture, such as in Galatians 2:20, which proclaims, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." It means surrendering our will, ambitions, and control to God, finding true life in that surrender. Consequently, "Life is for those who have offered their lives" – a clear call to dedication and commitment to Christ, presenting oneself as a living sacrifice, as encouraged in Romans 12:1.
The ultimate affirmation of this spiritual reality comes with the line, "To live is Christ to die is to gain." This is a direct quotation from Philippians 1:21, encapsulating the apostle Paul's perspective on life and death. For the Christian, living is about glorifying Christ, fulfilling His purpose, and experiencing His presence daily. Dying, then, is not an end but a profound gain – an immediate entrance into the fuller, uninterrupted presence of Christ and the promised eternal inheritance. It is the culmination of faith, the transition from earthly struggle to heavenly reward. Therefore, the song concludes with a comforting reassurance, "Are you afraid to die? Don't be afraid of the greetings of death," offering peace and courage to anyone grappling with their mortality. This powerful message, steeped in biblical truth, transforms the chilling prospect of death into a hopeful anticipation for those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ, making it an inspiring anthem for faith in the face of our inevitable end.