United Pursuit - Simple Gospel Lyrics
Lyrics
I want to know you, Lord
Like I know a friend
I want to know you, Lord
I want to know you, Lord
Like I know a friend
I want to know you, Lord
So I’m laying down all my religion
I’m laying down
I want to know you, Lord
I’m laying down all my religion
I’m laying down
I want to know you, Lord
I use to think that I could box you in
But I’m laying down
I want to know you, Lord
I use to think that I could box you in
But I’m laying down
I want to know you, Lord
I’m laying down all my religion
I’m laying down
I want to you know you, Lord
I’m laying down all my religion
I’m laying down
I want to know you, Lord
I want to know you, Lord
Lord, I’ve been told to be ashamed
Lord, I’ve been told I don’t measure up
Lord, I’ve been told I’m not good enough
But you’re here with me
I reach out and you find me in the dust
You say no amount of untruths can separate us
I reach out and you find me in the dust
You say no amount of untruths can separate us
I reach out and you find me in the dust
You say no amount of untruths can separate us
I will rejoice in the simple gospel
I will rejoice in you, Lord
I will rejoice in the simple gospel
I will rejoice in you, Lord
And I reach out and you find me in the dust
You say no amount of untruths can separate us
I will rejoice in the simple gospel
I will rejoice in you, Lord
I will rejoice in the simple gospel
I will rejoice in you, Lord
Video
Simple Gospel (Official Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Released in 2015 as the title track of their album, "Simple Gospel" by United Pursuit offers a profound exploration of authentic relationship with God, stripping away the complexities often associated with religious practice. The song's central theme revolves around a yearning to know God not as an abstract concept or a distant authority, but intimately, "like I know a friend." This desire drives the core message of laying down established religious frameworks and preconceived notions, a sentiment echoed in the lyrics' repeated declaration of shedding "all my religion." This is a powerful invitation to move beyond mere adherence to rules and rituals and towards a personal, lived experience of faith.
The lyrical narrative delves into the human tendency to try and confine the divine, to "box you in," a practice the song actively rejects. This struggle against limiting God resonates with the scriptural understanding that God's ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). The song bravely addresses the internal and external pressures that can lead to feelings of inadequacy and shame, acknowledging the experience of being told one "don't measure up" or is "not good enough." In contrast to these discouraging pronouncements, the song offers a comforting affirmation of God's constant presence and unfailing love. The powerful image of God finding us "in the dust" and declaring that "no amount of untruths can separate us" is a beautiful articulation of divine grace, powerfully mirroring the assurance found in Romans 8:38-39, which states that nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus.
The ultimate conclusion is a resounding declaration of rejoicing in the "simple gospel." This simplicity points to the core truth of the Christian message: God's love, offered freely through Jesus Christ. It’s a gospel that doesn't depend on human merit or perfect performance, but on God’s initiative and His enduring faithfulness. This resonates with Paul's assertion in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation is a gift received by grace through faith, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. The song encourages a return to this foundational understanding, celebrating the liberating truth that God's acceptance is not conditional on our efforts, but on His unwavering love. It’s an inspiring call to embrace a faith that is less about external performance and more about an internal, transformative relationship, finding joy and freedom in the uncomplicated, yet infinitely profound, good news of God’s grace.