The Imperials - This Is the Hour Lyrics
Lyrics
Look into the heavens
The time is at hand
See a new day that's dawning
All across our land
No looking back
To all that we've been through
Our time is now
There's something we must do
The time has come
For the chosen generation
Just stand up
And be a light to every nation
Oh, this is the hour
This is the hour
The time has come
For a new determination
So rise up
And be a witness of salvation
Oh, this is the hour
This is the hour
Hear the wind of the Spirit
That's blowing again
Blowing again
Feel the embers rekindle
Deep in the hearts of men
We will prevail
And conquer the darkness
We cannot fail
If God goes before us
The time has come
For the chosen generation
Just stand up
And be a light to every nation
Oh, this is the hour
This is the hour
The time has come
For a new determination
So rise up
And be a witness of salvation
Oh, this is the hour
This is the hour
Our time is now
No looking back
No looking back
To all that we've been through
Our time is now
There's something we must do
The time has come
For the chosen generation
Just stand up
And be a light to every nation
Oh, this is the hour
This is the hour
The time has come
For a new determination
So rise up
And be a witness of salvation
Oh, this is the hour
The time has come
For the chosen generation
Stand up
And be a light to every nation
This is the hour
This is the hour
The time has come
For a new determination
So rise up
And be a witness of salvation
Oh, this is the hour
This is the hour
Oh, the hour
Video
This Is The Hour - The Imperials (It's Still The Cross)
Meaning & Inspiration
"This Is the Hour" by The Imperials, released on July 2, 2013, as part of their album "It's Still The Cross," stands as a compelling anthem that immediately summons believers to a critical moment of spiritual urgency and purpose. The song's essence is a powerful declaration that the present time is divinely appointed for action, a call for a renewed commitment to faith and its active demonstration in the world. It bypasses any triviality, directly addressing the heart with a message that resonates deeply with the Christian journey of transformation and mission.
The narrative woven through the lyrics speaks of recognizing a crucial turning point, a "new day that's dawning" across the spiritual landscape. This isn't merely about personal reflection; it's a collective awakening. The song insists on "no looking back" to past struggles or comforts, echoing the scriptural injunction found in Philippians 3:13-14, where Paul speaks of "forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." It’s an urgent directive to leave behind what has been and to fully embrace the present moment, understanding that "our time is now, there's something we must do." This immediately establishes a tone of forward-moving resolve, urging individuals to step into their God-given destiny without hesitation.
Central to the song's profound message is the identity and calling of "the chosen generation." This phrase aligns beautifully with 1 Peter 2:9, which declares believers to be "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession." The Imperials amplify this identity, pairing it with an unequivocal mission: "Just stand up and be a light to every nation." This echoes the words of Jesus in Matthew 5:14-16, where He instructs His followers, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." The song then underscores the imperative for a "new determination," urging believers to "rise up and be a witness of salvation." This is a direct echo of Christ's commission in Acts 1:8, promising power through the Holy Spirit to be witnesses "to the ends of the earth." The repetitive refrain, "Oh, this is the hour," acts not just as a catchy hook, but as a fervent, prophetic affirmation of the significance of the present moment for fulfilling this divine mandate.
Further into the song, the imagery deepens, speaking of feeling "the wind of the Spirit that's blowing again" and watching "the embers rekindle deep in the hearts of men." This evokes the mysterious yet undeniable movement of the Holy Spirit, much like the wind Jesus described in John 3:8, and the powerful outpouring witnessed at Pentecost in Acts 2. It's a vivid portrayal of spiritual revival, fanning into flame the dormant zeal described in 2 Timothy 1:6, reminding us to "fan into flame the gift of God" within us. This spiritual renewal provides the bedrock for the bold declaration that "we will prevail and conquer the darkness." This triumphant outlook isn't born of human strength but from divine assurance, as articulated in Romans 8:37: "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." The ultimate guarantee of success is then declared: "We cannot fail if God goes before us," a sentiment rooted in the unwavering promise found in passages like Deuteronomy 31:6 and Joshua 1:5, assuring us that the Lord our God goes with us and will never leave us nor forsake us.
"This Is the Hour" concludes by reiterating its core themes, reinforcing the urgency and the unwavering commitment required. It’s a rallying cry for collective spiritual awakening and active participation in God's redemptive plan. The song doesn't merely inform; it challenges, inspires, and mobilizes, serving as a powerful reminder that every believer is an integral part of God's present-day work. It is an enduring piece that encourages reflection on one's personal calling and commitment, beckoning each soul to embrace this divinely appointed "hour" with unwavering faith and determined action.