Hillsong Worship - Crowns Lyrics

Crowns

Crowns Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

"Crowns" by Hillsong Worship, released on March 3, 2017, presents a profound reflection on the core tenets of Christian faith, centering on the ultimate significance of the cross of Christ. The song opens by directing attention to the place of the crucifixion, described as a cherished hill with a precious tree, immediately identifying it as the emblem of salvation and the gift procured at Calvary. This foundational image establishes the setting for the song's exploration of sacrificial love and its transformative power.

The lyrics move to a contemplation of the paradox inherent in the crucifixion: how one can profit from another's suffering and death. The answer provided is that through Christ's life being taken, the believer is granted life. This underscores the principle of substitutionary atonement, where Christ's sacrifice is the means by which salvation and new life are received, highlighting the selfless act at the heart of the gospel message.

The central theme is powerfully declared in the recurring lines, "My wealth is in the cross." This statement sets up a stark contrast between worldly values and the surpassing worth found in Christ. The song explicitly states a desire for nothing more than to know His love, indicating that this relationship and understanding are considered the true treasure. Consequently, the lyrics declare a decision to count all else as loss, signifying a reorientation of priorities where achievements, possessions, and even future rewards ("the greatest of my crowns") pale in comparison to the value found in the cross after contemplating the cost of salvation.

Further emphasizing this shift in value, the song explicitly rejects boasting in earthly riches or pride in gold. Instead, it affirms a commitment to boast only in Jesus and His Name. This reflects a perspective where the source of identity, security, and glory is found solely in Christ and His finished work on the cross, rather than in personal accomplishments or material wealth.

The theme culminates in a future-oriented declaration concerning the moment of standing in glory before the Lord. Even in the presence of heavenly rewards, symbolized by crowns, the confession remains "My wealth is in the cross." This final assertion reinforces the song's core message: the cross is not merely the starting point of faith, but the eternal measure of value and the ultimate source of glory, surpassing even the crowns that may be received. Relevant scriptural themes include the concept of counting everything as loss for the sake of knowing Christ (Philippians 3:7-8), boasting only in the cross (Galatians 6:14), and the idea of casting crowns before God's throne (Revelation 4:10-11), signifying that all honor and worth ultimately derive from Him and His sacrifice. The song serves as an inspirational declaration of placing ultimate value on the cross of Christ above all earthly or even heavenly accolades.