Lyrics
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
O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
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
O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
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
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
O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
Bear your cross as you wait for the crown
Tell the world of the treasure you've found
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Oh Come To The Altar extends an invitation to people burdened by sin, regret, and sorrow. Its verses name pain honestly but do not leave the struggling person without hope. The altar is depicted as a place of welcome, where forgiveness rests on Christ’s sacrifice rather than on human merit. Sorrow is therefore not the final word, because new life and joy are described as possible through Jesus.
The chorus can be connected cautiously with Hebrews 4:16, which invites believers to approach the throne of grace for mercy and help. First John 1:9 matches the forgiveness theme, while the closing call to bear a cross recalls Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 16:4. The song thus moves from confession and reception of grace toward worship, endurance, and public witness.
Related Scripture
- Hebrews 4:16 Believers are invited to approach God’s throne for mercy and grace.
- 1 John 1:9 God forgives and cleanses those who confess their sins.
- Matthew 16:4 Jesus calls disciples to take up their cross and follow him.