The Belonging Co - Altar Call Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
I hear the voice of my Father
Your kindness is calling
Me to repentance again
I see the scars of my Savior
The ransom You paid for
To save me and call me Your friend
Pre-Chorus
I know, at the cross You gave it all
I know, at the cross You paid it all
Chorus
Here's my life, I lay it at the altar
You are worthy of it, You are worthy of it
No turning back, Jesus, now I surrender
My heart, my soul, my all
You can have my heart, my soul, my all
Verse 2
I know my past found it's ending
Salvation's beginning
This moment is only the start
I feel the power of Your Spirit
Your grace without limit
As I draw near to Your heart
Pre-Chorus
I know, at the cross You gave it all
I know, at the cross You paid it all
Chorus
Here's my life, I lay it at the altar
You are worthy of it, You are worthy of it
No turning back, Jesus, now I surrender
My heart, my soul, my all
You can have my heart, my soul, my all
Bridge
I'll answer Your call and I'll take up my cross
Now and always, now and always
My Savior, my Lord, I'll forever adore
Now and always, now and always
I'll answer Your call and I'll take up my cross
Now and always, now and always
My Savior, my Lord, I'll forever adore
Now and always, now and always
Chorus
Here's my life, I lay it at the altar
You are worthy of it, You are worthy of it
No turning back, Jesus, now I surrender
My heart, my soul, my all
You can have my heart, my soul, my all
You can have my heart, my soul, my all
Video
Altar Call (Feat. Henry Seeley) // The Belonging Co
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on September 15, 2023, as part of their album *Pneuma*, "Altar Call" by The Belonging Co serves as a profound musical invitation, capturing the essence of spiritual decision and wholehearted surrender. The song's title itself, "Altar Call," immediately points to a traditional moment within Christian worship where individuals are invited to respond to God's presence, often involving a public declaration of faith, repentance, or renewed commitment. It encapsulates that pivotal moment when the divine call meets a human heart ready to yield, signifying a turning point from a life lived independently to one devoted entirely to Christ. The track provides a soundtrack to this deeply personal yet universally understood experience within the faith, articulating the internal dialogue and the decisive action of laying one's life before God.
The song opens with a deep acknowledgment of God's loving pursuit, as the speaker hears the "voice of my Father" whose "kindness is calling me to repentance again." This speaks to the truth found in Romans 2:4, which highlights that it is God's goodness that leads us to change our ways, not simply His judgment. It’s a gentle, persistent invitation rather than a demanding decree, underscoring the compassionate nature of divine love. The lyrics then shift to the foundational truth of the Christian faith, reflecting on the "scars of my Savior" and "the ransom You paid for to save me and call me Your friend." This powerful imagery vividly recalls Isaiah 53:5, where Christ’s wounds are linked to our healing, and 1 Peter 1:18-19, which reminds us that we were ransomed not with perishable things but with the precious blood of Christ. The beautiful transition to being called a "friend," echoing John 15:15, transforms the relationship from one of distant reverence to intimate fellowship, emphasizing the depth of God's desire for connection.
The pre-chorus powerfully reinforces the complete and sufficient work of Jesus, stating, "at the cross You gave it all; at the cross You paid it all." This declaration affirms the finality and completeness of Christ's sacrifice, a cornerstone of Christian theology, resonating with passages like Galatians 2:20, where Christ's self-giving is for each individual. This sets the stage for the resounding chorus, which is the heart of the "Altar Call." "Here's my life, I lay it at the altar / You are worthy of it," proclaims a radical act of consecration, drawing inspiration from Romans 12:1, which urges believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices. The affirmation of God’s worthiness, twice repeated, echoes the worship found in Revelation 4:11, asserting that God alone deserves such ultimate devotion. The subsequent commitment, "No turning back, Jesus, now I surrender / My heart, my soul, my all," signifies a definitive choice, a breaking with past allegiances, reminiscent of Luke 9:62 where looking back is incompatible with following Christ. It is a total surrender, an offering of one's entire being without reservation.
Verse two pivots to the profound transformation experienced post-surrender, celebrating that "my past found its ending / Salvation's beginning / This moment is only the start." This reflects the new creation described in 2 Corinthians 5:17, where the old has passed away and the new has come. It’s a powerful reminder that salvation is not merely an endpoint but a launchpad for a new journey of faith. The realization that follows – "I feel the power of Your Spirit / Your grace without limit / As I draw near to Your heart" – speaks to the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and the boundless nature of God’s favor. This evokes Ephesians 1:19, concerning the immeasurable greatness of God's power toward us, and the promise in James 4:8 that as we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. It underscores an ongoing, dynamic relationship marked by divine empowerment and inexhaustible grace.
The bridge serves as a further declaration of commitment, cementing the surrender with an unwavering resolve: "I'll answer Your call and I'll take up my cross / Now and always." This is a direct echo of Jesus's challenging words in Matthew 16:24, where discipleship is defined by self-denial and carrying one's cross daily. The repetition of "now and always" emphasizes the lifelong, steadfast nature of this commitment, not just a one-time event. It extends to an eternal adoration: "My Savior, my Lord, I'll forever adore / Now and always," declaring an unending allegiance and worship. The entire song builds toward this continuous, unwavering devotion, presenting a narrative arc from initial conviction to a lasting, transformative relationship with God. "Altar Call" is a compelling anthem for anyone seeking to deepen their faith, offering both comfort in God’s pursuit and a challenge to respond with unreserved dedication.