In 1920, a young man of 14
Declared himself to be, a preacher of the faith
Second World War
A German who loved the Lord
Preached for all to hear, facing all adversity
The cost, of discipleship
The cost, to stand against all evil
Deitrich Bonhoeffer
Lived and was martyred for the
Christian faith.
The cross, we all must bear
The cross, under which there is no fear
Live and die, for what we believe
No liberal theology
In the 1940's, a hero of the faith
Refused to stop preaching the gospel
He saw the evil in the Third Reich
Had to protect the weak and the oppressed.
He rescued the Jews to neutral Switzerland
Stood for the Lord, in the face of Hitler
Martyred for his faith, 9 days before freedom
Are we prepared to die for our faith in
Jesus Christ
Now fear is gone as we long for home.
The true church, that is a miracle
Standing for Christ, in the face of death
The cost 9x
The Cost Video
The Cost Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The Cost: A Song of Sacrifice and Faith
Introduction:
"The Cost" is a powerful and inspiring song by the Christian metal band Mortification. Released in 1993 as part of their album "Blood World," this song resonates with believers who understand the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Christ. With its intense lyrics and heavy musical composition, "The Cost" captures the essence of discipleship and the price one must pay to stand firm in their faith.
Chronological Analysis:
The song begins with the line "In 1920, a young man of 14," immediately setting the scene of a historical event. The reference is likely to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German theologian and pastor who lived during the time of the Second World War. Bonhoeffer was known for his strong Christian faith and his resistance against the Nazi regime. The lyrics highlight his bravery and commitment to preaching the Gospel, even in the face of adversity.
The next lines speak of the cost of discipleship and the need to stand against evil. Bonhoeffer's resistance against Hitler's regime and his involvement in rescuing Jews is depicted as a true act of faith. The lyrics emphasize the importance of living and dying for what one believes, rejecting any form of liberal theology that compromises the Gospel's truth.
The song then takes a poignant turn, mentioning Bonhoeffer's martyrdom. He was executed just nine days before Germany's liberation. This tragic ending showcases the ultimate sacrifice he made for his faith and the impact he had on the Christian community.
Meaning and Inspiration:
"The Cost" is a song that reminds believers of the sacrifices required to live out their faith in a world filled with darkness and opposition. It serves as a call to stand firm in the face of adversity and to never compromise the truth of the Gospel. The lyrics highlight the significance of living a life of faith that is willing to pay the ultimate price for what one believes.
The inspiration for the song likely comes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer's life and teachings. Bonhoeffer was a theologian who strongly emphasized the cost of discipleship. He believed that following Jesus meant denying oneself, taking up the cross, and being willing to suffer for the sake of the Gospel. His writings, such as his influential book "The Cost of Discipleship," continue to inspire Christians to this day.
Biblical Analysis:
"The Cost" aligns with several biblical principles and teachings. The song's emphasis on the cost of discipleship echoes Jesus' own words in Luke 9:23: "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Bonhoeffer's life exemplified this call to self-denial and carrying one's cross in a literal, as well as metaphorical, sense.
Additionally, the song's rejection of liberal theology and its focus on the truth of the Gospel align with Paul's exhortation in Galatians 1:6-9. Paul warns against accepting any other gospel than the one preached by the apostles, emphasizing the importance of holding fast to the truth of Christ's message.
The theme of martyrdom and the idea of dying for one's faith is also present in the song. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous examples of believers who faced persecution, even unto death, for their commitment to Christ. The Apostle Paul himself said in Philippians 1:21, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Critically Analyzing the Song:
"The Cost" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that challenges believers to examine their commitment to Christ. Its lyrics inspire listeners to embrace the sacrifices and challenges that come with following Jesus, reminding them that true discipleship requires more than mere words or outward appearances.
From a biblical standpoint, the song aligns with the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, emphasizing the cost of discipleship, the importance of standing firm in the truth, and the willingness to lay down one's life for the sake of the Gospel. It serves as a reminder that Christianity is not a comfortable or convenient faith, but one that demands total surrender and sacrifice.
Conclusion:
"The Cost" by Mortification is a powerful song that encapsulates the essence of discipleship and the sacrifices required to follow Christ faithfully. Inspired by the life and teachings of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, it challenges believers to evaluate their commitment to Christ and to count the cost of following Him. With its biblical foundation and impactful lyrics, "The Cost" serves as an anthem for those who are willing to pay any price to stand firm in their faith.
