The Crucified - Be Warned Lyrics
Lyrics
The wicked shall return to Sheol
even those who forgot of God
The needy not always forgotten
perish not the hope of the afflicted
Arise o God do not let man prevail
judge the wicked before your throne
(chorus)
Arise o God do not let man prevail
The nations shall be judged before thee
Put them in fear o Lord
Let the nations know, they are but men
Relief to you the afflicted
To us as well as Jesus' return in flaming fire
Dealing out - retribution
to those who do not know God
to those who do not obey
the gospel of our Lord Jesus
(chorus)
Salvation is in your reach
Christ is king and he is God
You would be wise to heed his word
Your fate is laid before you
The choice is in your hands
From now until your death-
be warned
Video
CRUCIFIED - BE WARNED (Fast rap)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released as part of "The Complete Collection" in early 2009, "Be Warned" by The Crucified delivers a powerful, unvarnished message that resonates deeply with themes found throughout Scripture. The song's genesis and meaning are rooted in a prophetic call to recognize divine judgment and the ultimate sovereignty of God over human endeavors. It speaks directly to the ancient understanding of justice, where the wicked are not left unchecked and the oppressed find solace in the knowledge that their suffering is seen. This echoes the sentiment in Psalm 9:17, which states, "The wicked shall return to Sheol, all the nations who forget God." The lyrics don't just paint a picture of this divine accounting; they actively implore God to intervene, to assert His authority and prevent man's pride from overwhelming His purpose, a plea mirrored in the Psalmist's cry in Psalm 10:12: "Arise, O LORD; lift up your hand, O God; do not forget the afflicted."
The chorus acts as a central pronouncement, a universal call for nations to acknowledge their status before the Almighty. "Arise o God do not let man prevail" is not merely a lyrical refrain but a fervent prayer for humility to descend upon humanity and a stark reminder of God's ultimate power and authority, aligning with verses like Isaiah 2:11, which speaks of the proud being brought low. The song transitions into a direct declaration of relief and reckoning, announcing the return of Christ as a purifying force, dealing out justice. This imagery of Christ's return in "flaming fire" is powerfully depicted in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8: "...when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus." The song's purpose here is not to inspire fear for its own sake, but to awaken a sober understanding of divine retribution against those who reject the truth of God and the gospel.
Ultimately, "Be Warned" offers a stark dichotomy of choice, presenting salvation as accessible and Christ as the undeniable King and God. The lyrics implore listeners to embrace wisdom, urging them to heed His word and recognize that their eternal destiny is actively being shaped by their decisions in this life. The final admonition, "be warned," serves as a sober, yet hopeful, call to repentance and faith, emphasizing that the opportunity to choose a path of righteousness is laid bare before each individual until their final breath. This resonates with passages like Deuteronomy 30:19, which states, "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live." The song's unwavering focus on the consequences of belief and disbelief, and the ultimate authority of Christ, makes it a potent testament to timeless biblical truths.