Trey McLaughlin - Oh Come To The Alter Lyrics

Lyrics

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

O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ

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

O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ

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

O come to the altar
The Father's arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ

Bear your cross as you wait for the crown
Tell the world of the treasure you've found

Video

Trey McLaughin and SOZ “Oh Come to The Altar” Elevation Worship (cover)

Meaning & Inspiration

Trey McLaughlin’s interpretation of "Oh Come To The Altar," released on July 9, 2019, emerges as a profound spiritual anchor, extending a universal invitation to solace and transformation. This rendition transcends mere musical performance, delivering a rich tapestry of hope woven into a direct call to faith. The song’s essence lies in its urgent and tender appeal for individuals to lay down their burdens and encounter divine grace, mirroring the core message of the Christian gospel—that redemption is freely offered to all who seek it.

The lyrical narrative begins by addressing the raw vulnerability of the human experience, directly posing questions that cut to the heart: "Are you hurting and broken within? Overwhelmed by the weight of your sin?" These lines articulate a pervasive sense of despair and the existential thirst for something more, a feeling familiar to humanity across time. This opening serves as an echo of scriptural truth found in passages like Matthew 11:28, where Jesus Himself invites, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." It speaks to the recognition of our fallen state and the limitations of self-reliance, paving the way for the ultimate answer: "Jesus is calling." This recurring phrase throughout the initial verses acts as a gentle yet persistent summons, reminding us that divine intervention is not only available but actively reaching out.

The chorus then unveils the central theme: "O come to the altar, The Father's arms are open wide." This imagery of the altar is deeply significant in Christian theology, symbolizing a place of sacrifice, covenant, and encounter with God. It represents a sacred space where surrender meets divine acceptance. The "Father's arms open wide" powerfully evokes the parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15, illustrating God’s boundless love and eagerness to welcome back His children, regardless of their past. This embrace is not earned but freely given, predicated on the sacrifice that makes such a welcome possible: "Forgiveness was bought with The precious blood of Jesus Christ." This truth is a cornerstone of Christian faith, affirmed in Hebrews 9:22, which states that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness." It underscores the immeasurable cost of salvation and the profound love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice, as detailed in 1 Peter 1:18-19, where we are reminded that we were "redeemed not with perishable things... but with the precious blood of Christ."

The song continues its compelling invitation, urging the soul to "Leave behind your regrets and mistakes" and to "Come today there's no reason to wait." This call to immediate action resonates with biblical injunctions to not delay repentance, emphasizing God's readiness to forgive and restore. The promise that follows – "Bring your sorrows and trade them for joy, From the ashes a new life is born" – is a powerful affirmation of spiritual renewal. This transformation from despair to delight, from ruin to rebirth, is a direct reflection of God's redemptive power, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" and Isaiah 61:3, where God promises to bestow a "crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair."

As the song progresses into a declaration of praise, it proclaims, "Oh what a Savior, Isn't He wonderful! Sing alleluia, Christ is risen." This segment shifts from invitation to adoration, celebrating the finished work of Christ. The exclamation "Christ is risen" is the triumphant core of Christian belief, a testament to His victory over sin and death, as articulated in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4. It leads naturally to the command to "Bow down before Him, For He is Lord of all," acknowledging Christ’s supreme authority and sovereignty, a truth proclaimed throughout Scripture, from Philippians 2:10-11 to Revelation 19:16. The repetition of these declarations solidifies the worshiper’s understanding of who God is and what He has done, moving from an individual’s seeking to a communal declaration of faith.

Finally, the song introduces a call to discipleship beyond initial salvation: "Bear your cross as you wait for the crown, Tell the world of the treasure you've found." This profound directive moves past the initial moment of acceptance into the ongoing journey of faith. "Bearing your cross" echoes Jesus' teaching in Matthew 16:24, signifying a commitment to follow Him, embracing self-denial and perseverance through life's challenges. The anticipation of "the crown" points to the promise of eternal reward and righteousness for those who remain faithful, as mentioned in 2 Timothy 4:8. The concluding charge to "Tell the world of the treasure you've found" is a clear call to evangelism and personal testimony, commissioning believers to share the good news of salvation with others, fulfilling the Great Commission found in Acts 1:8. Trey McLaughlin's delivery of this message cultivates an atmosphere of profound worship and serves as a stirring reminder of the enduring power of God's love and the transformative journey available to all through Christ.