Hillsong Worship - Beneath the Waters (I will Rise) Lyrics

Beneath the Waters (I will Rise)

Beneath the Waters (I will Rise) Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

"Beneath the Waters (I will Rise)" by Hillsong Worship is a profound declaration of Christian identity and transformation, articulated through powerful imagery rooted in biblical theology. The song begins by establishing the foundation of faith: the revelation of Christ Jesus crucified, acknowledging salvation as a result of repentance and the atoning sacrifice made on the cross. This sets the stage for the deeply personal experience that follows, describing an absolution, a forgiveness of sin, which leads to a symbolic immersion—sinking beneath the waters where Christ himself was buried. This act resonates strongly with the Christian understanding of baptism, representing a burial of the old self, identified with Christ's death.

The central theme and declaration of the song are captured in the repeated chorus: "I will rise / I will rise / As Christ was raised to life / Now in Him / Now in Him I live." This is not merely a metaphorical rise but a spiritual reality directly linked to the resurrection of Jesus. It affirms that the power that raised Christ from the dead is the same power enabling the believer to live a new life. This new existence is lived "in Him," signifying a union with Christ where the believer's life is now defined by His. This echoes the biblical teaching in Romans 6, which describes baptism as being buried with Christ and rising with Him to walk in newness of life, and Colossians 3, which encourages believers who have been raised with Christ to set their minds on things above.

Following the declaration of rising, the lyrics describe the state of the believer: standing as a new creation, baptized in blood and fire. This imagery speaks to the cleansing power of Christ's sacrifice ("blood") and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit ("fire"), bringing about spiritual regeneration. The result is freedom from the fear of condemnation, a state achieved through faith by which the believer is justified, or declared righteous before God. This aligns with scriptures like 2 Corinthians 5:17, which states that in Christ, one becomes a new creation, and Romans 8:1, proclaiming no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, as well as Romans 5:1 regarding justification by faith.

The song expands beyond personal salvation to corporate worship and declaration. The believer's rise is not just for personal freedom but to declare Christ's rule and reign. Life becomes a confession of His lordship and a means to glorify His name. The subsequent verses shift focus to the eternal nature of God, His everlasting word, His Kingdom that knows no end, and His perpetual praise. These lines build a picture of God's ultimate sovereignty and power, stating that no opposing force, curse, or entity can stand against Him or steal His unique glory, which belongs to Him alone.

The narrative returns to the personal testimony, emphasizing the stark contrast between the former state of being "dead in my sin" and the present reality of rising in Christ. This personal testimony reinforces the power of the gospel and the radical transformation it brings. The repeated assertion of God's absolute power serves as a foundation for the believer's confidence and basis for praise and testimony. The video accompanying the song, released on August 4, 2017, provides a visual context for this message, often depicting themes of baptism, community, and powerful worship, further emphasizing the corporate aspect of this declaration of faith and new life. The song, therefore, serves as both a personal anthem of resurrection life and a corporate declaration of God's supreme authority and worthiness of praise.