Maranatha! Music - Holy, Holy, Holy Lyrics
Lyrics
Holy Holy Holy
Is our Lord God Almighty
Who was and who is
And who is to come
Glory Glory Glory
To our Lord God Almighty
Who died and now lives
And who is to come
Oh God fill our hearts
With the love of Jesus Christ
And You
You
Holy Holy Holy
Is our Lord God Almighty
Who was and who is
And is who is to come
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
is our Lord God Almighty
Who loves and forgives,
And Who is to come
Oh God fill our hearts
With the love of Jesus Christ
And you
You
Video
Holy, Holy, Holy
Meaning & Inspiration
Maranatha! Music's rendition of "Holy, Holy, Holy," released on January 1, 1999, as part of their album *Praise 2 - Open Our Eyes*, stands as a profound worship anthem that delves into the very essence of Christian faith. This song is not merely a collection of verses but a theological declaration, a doxology echoing ancient truths, designed to elevate the worshiper’s focus from temporal concerns to the eternal nature of God. Its inherent power stems from its direct, unwavering proclamation of divine attributes, making it a staple in countless gatherings seeking to express reverence and adoration.
The core meaning behind "Holy, Holy, Holy" is a multi-faceted exploration of God's character, beginning with His supreme holiness. The opening lines, "Holy Holy Holy / Is our Lord God Almighty / Who was and who is / And who is to come," immediately resonate with the cries of the seraphim in Isaiah 6:3, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory." This triple repetition underscores God's absolute purity, transcendence, and separation from all sin, a concept further reinforced in Revelation 4:8 where the four living creatures similarly proclaim His holiness. The assertion that He "was and who is and who is to come" anchors His identity in eternity, declaring Him as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, as stated in Revelation 1:8: "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." This phrase encapsulates God's timeless sovereignty, reminding believers that He is the unchanging constant amidst a world of flux.
The song then transitions to another majestic attribute: "Glory Glory Glory / To our Lord God Almighty / Who died and now lives / And who is to come." Here, the focus shifts to the manifestation of God's character, His inherent splendor and honor. Glory, as depicted throughout Scripture (e.g., Psalm 19:1), is the visible expression of God's divine presence. Crucially, this stanza introduces the Person of Jesus Christ, affirming His deity by associating the "Lord God Almighty" with One "Who died and now lives." This is a powerful articulation of the Gospel, referencing Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, His victorious resurrection, and His living presence at the right hand of the Father (Romans 6:9, Hebrews 7:25). The consistent affirmation "and who is to come" continues to point towards Christ's promised second coming, an enduring hope for all who believe (Acts 1:11, Revelation 22:20).
Midway through, the song offers a poignant prayer that transforms the declarative praise into an intimate supplication: "Oh God fill our hearts / With the love of Jesus Christ / And You / You." This heartfelt plea asks for the indwelling presence and transformative power of God’s love. It is a prayer for the Holy Spirit to cultivate the fruit of love (Galatians 5:22) within the believer, echoing Romans 5:5 which states, "God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us." The simple, repeated "And You / You" emphasizes a deep desire for communion and a personal, all-encompassing relationship with God Himself, moving beyond intellectual assent to experiential encounter.
The returning refrain of "Holy Holy Holy" serves to reinforce the central theme, while the subsequent stanza provides a vital clarification and expansion: "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus / is our Lord God Almighty / Who loves and forgives / And Who is to come." This explicit naming of Jesus leaves no doubt that He is indeed "Lord God Almighty," a direct declaration of His full divinity, in unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit (John 1:1, Colossians 2:9). The attributes "Who loves and forgives" are central to the salvific work of Christ, underscoring God's immeasurable love that led Him to send His Son (John 3:16) and the profound forgiveness available through His shed blood (Ephesians 1:7). It reminds us that the holy, glorious, and eternal God is also a God of profound, personal love and mercy. The consistent inclusion of "And Who is to come" serves as a continuous anchor of hope, pointing to the consummation of all things when Christ returns in glory. This Maranatha! Music classic, through its carefully chosen words and repeated affirmations, thus provides a comprehensive theological framework for worship, moving from God’s transcendent nature to His immanent love and redemptive power, inspiring deep devotion and unwavering faith.