Verse 1
On Christ alone
Our chief cornerstone
No other foundation
Can we build upon, not philosophy
Nor the wisdom of men
For all other Ground
Is sinking sand
Chorus
Upon this rock
You build Your church
And the gates of hell
Will not prevail
When we bind and loose
We Proclaim your Truth
And in Jesus' name
We will not fail
Never fail
Verse 2
Crucified, Raised up from the dead
Led Captivity Captive
It is Finished
He gave us the KEYS, His Authority
Now we are joint Heirs
To the Praise of his Glory
Chorus
Upon this rock
You build Your church
And the gates of hell
Will not prevail
When wе bind and loose
We Proclaim your Truth
And in Jesus' namе
We will not fail
Never fail
We will never fail
We will never fail
We will never fail
We will never fail
Build Your church
Build Your church
Build it from the ground up
It's Your church
Build Your church
Build Your church
Build it from the ground up
We're Your church
Build Your church
Build Your church
Build it from the ground up
It's Your church
Build Your church
Build Your church
Build it from the ground up
We're Your church
Build Your church
Build Your church
Build it from the ground up
It's Your church
Build Your church
Build Your church
Build it from the ground up
We're Your church
Build Your church
Build Your church
Build it from the ground up
It's Your church
Build Your church
Build Your church
Build it from the ground up
We're Your church
Chorus
Upon this rock
You build Your church
And the gates of hell
Will not prevail
When we bind and loose
We Proclaim your Truth
And in Jesus' name
We will not fail
Never fail
Build Your church
Build Your church
Build it from the ground up
It's Your church
Build Your church
Build Your church
Build it from the ground up
We're Your church
Build Your church
Build Your church
Build it from the ground up
It's Your church
Build Your church
Build Your church
Build it from the ground up
We're Your church
Build Your Church
Build Your Church Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Released on April 30, 2021, Elevation Worship’s song "Build Your Church" arrived as a powerful declaration rooted deeply in foundational Christian truth, offering a message of hope and divine purpose to a world grappling with uncertainty. This song doesn't just offer a comforting melody; it serves as a stirring reminder that the church, as defined in Scripture, is not primarily a physical structure but a living, breathing assembly of believers called by God and empowered by His Spirit. The heart of the song speaks to God’s sovereign power and unwavering commitment to establish and grow His kingdom on earth, primarily through His people. It resonates with the understanding that while human effort is involved, the true architect and builder of the church is Christ Himself, fulfilling His promise laid out in Matthew 16:18: "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." This foundational promise undergirds the entire narrative of the song, emphasizing that the work is His, and His victory is assured.
Analyzing the song's message further, it beautifully captures the active nature of God's ongoing work in the world. It's not a passive declaration but an active call to faith and participation in what God is doing. The song evokes images of God's unstoppable power transforming lives and communities, akin to the dynamic growth described in the book of Acts, where the early church rapidly multiplied as the Holy Spirit moved among believers (Acts 2:47, Acts 4:4). It speaks to the spiritual architecture God is creating, brick by brick, heart by heart, forming a spiritual house as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:5, "you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." The song encourages listeners to see themselves not just as passive recipients of grace but as vital components in this divine construction project, each uniquely gifted and positioned to contribute to the whole (1 Corinthians 12:27). This perspective shifts the focus from our limited abilities to God's infinite capacity, inspiring faith that He can and will accomplish His purposes through humble vessels.
Musically and lyrically, "Build Your Church" employs a style characteristic of Elevation Worship, blending accessible melodies with anthemic qualities that lend themselves well to corporate worship settings. The structure builds dynamically, mirroring the theme of growth and expansion it describes. The instrumentation often starts subtly, then swells to a powerful crescendo, creating a sense of mounting power and certainty, which aligns perfectly with the message of God's unstoppable kingdom. The language used is intentionally simple yet profound, focusing on core biblical concepts without becoming overly complex. This deliberate clarity ensures that the song’s powerful message about God's faithfulness and the church's divine foundation is easily grasped and internalized by listeners. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in times of challenge or perceived decline, God is relentlessly at work, fulfilling His eternal plan. The song ultimately serves as an invitation to align our lives and efforts with God's grand design, trusting that as we yield to His will, He will indeed build His church, demonstrating His glory to the world, just as promised throughout Scripture, including passages like Ephesians 2:19-22 which describes believers being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.