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 page carries the invitation song as credited to Phil Wickham and Mack Brock, in a long arrangement where the chorus returns several times. The opening verse asks a series of questions about brokenness, sin, and thirst for a drink from the well, and each one is met with the same short answer: Jesus is calling. The chorus gives that answer a place, an altar where the Father's arms are open and forgiveness was bought with the precious blood of Jesus Christ.
The imagery of thirst and a well recalls John 4, where Jesus speaks of water that leaves a person satisfied. The emphasis on forgiveness through blood also parallels Ephesians 1:7. The bridge turns to praise, naming Christ as a wonderful Savior who has risen, and the closing couplet sends the singer outward with a treasure to tell about.
Related Scripture
- John 4:13-14 Jesus speaks of water that satisfies thirst permanently.
- Ephesians 1:7 Redemption and forgiveness are described as coming through the blood of Christ.