Jeremy Riddle - Christ Be Praised Lyrics

Christ Be Praised

Christ Be Praised Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Jeremy Riddle's song "Christ Be Praised," gaining attention around its video release date of November 29, 2022, stands as a powerful anthem of Christian worship focused squarely on the person and work of Jesus Christ. The lyrics guide the listener to contemplate the core tenets of the Christian faith: the sacrifice on the cross, the redemption it provides, and the resulting call to worship the resurrected and exalted Lord. The song opens by drawing attention directly to the scene of the crucifixion, urging beholders to see the "mercy of the cross" and the "wonder of His love." By pointing to His side, hands, and feet, the song emphasizes the physical reality of Christ's suffering and the shedding of blood as the means by which believers are set free. This visual and visceral language serves to ground the worship in the historical event of Calvary, immediately prompting the response: "Give Him glory," "Oh, come and give Him praise."

The central theme solidifies in the powerful chorus, which shifts focus from the cross to the current reality of Christ's reign. Declaring "Praise the One who's seated on the throne," the song acknowledges His divine authority and victorious position. This is coupled with the declaration "Praise the One who's worthy of it all," recognizing His inherent value and supreme worthiness of all adoration. The connection back to His atoning work is reinforced with "Praise the One who shed His precious blood," ensuring that His present glory is forever linked to His past sacrifice. The repeated command "Forever praise!" underscores the eternal nature and unending necessity of this worship response.

Expanding the scope of worship, the lyrics call upon all creation to join in this offering of praise. The inclusion of "All you angels 'round His throne" and "All of heaven, all of earth below" portrays a cosmic picture of worship, where heavenly beings and earthly inhabitants unite in giving glory to Christ. This universal call reinforces the magnitude of Christ's work and His rightful place as the object of worship for all creation.

A key feature of the song is the climactic and repetitive section centered around the declaration "We sing Hallelujah! Christ be praised!" and "We sing Hallelujah to the Lamb that was slain!" "Hallelujah" is a direct Hebrew expression meaning "Praise the Lord." Attributing this praise specifically to "Christ" and identifying Him as "the Lamb that was slain" draws deeply from biblical imagery, particularly from the book of Revelation, where the resurrected Jesus is worshipped as the Lamb whose sacrifice made Him worthy to open the scroll and reign. This section, through its repetition and crescendo, builds intensity, becoming a fervent expression of joyful adoration and recognition of Christ's victorious sacrifice and present glory.

The theological meaning embedded within the song is a clear affirmation of substitutionary atonement, Christ's deity and authority, and the appropriate response of worship from all of creation. The references align strongly with various scriptures. The suffering on the cross and shed blood resonate with passages like Isaiah 53, John 19, 1 Peter 2:24, and Hebrews 9:22. Christ "seated on the throne" reflects truths found in Hebrews 1:3 and Revelation 5. The concept of Him being "worthy of it all" is explicitly stated in Revelation 5:12-13. The repeated praise of "the Lamb that was slain" directly echoes the worship scenes described in Revelation 5:6-14. The universal call to praise aligns with passages like Psalm 148 and Philippians 2:10-11. Through these scriptural connections and its focused lyrical content, "Christ Be Praised" functions not just as a song, but as a theological declaration and an invitation to participate in the eternal worship of Jesus Christ. Its design is clearly meant to be corporate, encouraging believers to unite their voices in proclaiming the truth and wonder of His sacrifice and exaltation.