Lyrics
Verse 1
Are you hurting and broken within
Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin
Jesus is calling
Have you come to the end of yourself
Do you thirst for a drink from the well
Jesus is calling
Chorus
O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
Verse 2
Leave behind your regrets and mistakes
Come today there's no reason to wait
Jesus is calling
Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy
From the ashes a new life is born
Jesus is calling
Chorus (x2)
O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
Bridge (x2)
Oh what a Savior
Isn't He wonderful
Sing alleluia, Christ is risen
Bow down before Him
For He is Lord of all
Sing alleluia, Christ is risen
Chorus (x2)
O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
Verse 3
Bear your cross as you wait for the crown
Tell the world of the treasure you've found
Original Version
This page covers a cover recording of the song. See the original: O Come To The Altar by Elevation Worship lyrics.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
This version of the altar invitation is credited to Israel Houghton and keeps the familiar structure of two verses, a repeated chorus, and a bridge of praise. Its most repeated phrase is "Jesus is calling," placed at the end of each verse so that every question about regret, weariness, or sorrow closes with the same welcome.
The chorus describes the Father's arms as open wide, an image that matches the father running to meet a returning son in Luke 15:20. The statement that forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ lines up with the language of redemption in Colossians 1:14. After the repeated invitation, the bridge shifts to adoration, and the final lines speak of bearing a cross while waiting for the crown, which gives the song an ending that looks ahead as well as back.
Related Scripture
- Luke 15:20 A father runs to embrace a returning son while he is still far off.
- Colossians 1:14 The passage speaks of redemption and the forgiveness of sins in Christ.