Bethel Music – Extravagant

I have been unhappy with Bethel’s music.  With the exception of Raise a Hallelujah, their Berean Test scores have been sub-par, with issues regarding me-focused lyrics, lack of clarity, heavy repetition, and “Jesus as my boyfriend” language.  Sometimes it makes me wonder why Bethel has become so popular?  It’s certainly not for their theology!

With a low bar, I do not have high hopes for Extravagant, but perhaps Bethel can change my mind with this song?

Check out my other Bethel Music reviews!

Lyrics can be found at https://genius.com/Bethel-music-extravagant-live-lyrics.

Note to new users: This is a different kind of review site!  Read About the Berean Test and Evaluation Criteria prior to reading this review.  I strongly encourage you to consider the potential blessings and dangers of this artist‘s theology by visiting Resources.

1. What message does the song communicate?

Before the foundation of the world, Christ’s unfathomable love for us causes Him to pay the penalty for our lawbreaking.  Rather than undermining our affliction, He chooses to console us as the light shining deep within us.  Our response to His incomprehensible grace is unrestrained worship, denying our freewill to serve Him.

Score: 10/10

2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?

With the exception of a minor issue at the end of Verse 1, all the lyrics are in agreement with the Scriptures.

[Verse 1]

Lines 1-3: Christ was slain before the foundation of the world (Revelation 13:8).

Line 4: That is, Christ bore our sins (1 Peter 2:24).

Lines 5 and 6: This does not make sense to me.  Is Bethel suggesting that Jesus stopped at nothing to prove he is…Jesus?  That is how I see this in terms of its language.

[Chorus]

Lines 1-6: Correct.  We will never understand the depth of Christ’s love.

[Verse 2]

Lines 1 and 2: God avoids squelching our hurts, choosing instead to comfort us (Psalm 23:4, Psalm 71:21, Psalm 119:50-52, Psalm 119:76, Psalm 119:82, Isaiah 51:3, Isaiah 57:18, Isaiah 61:2, Isaiah 66:13, Zechariah 1:17, Matthew 5:4, Matthew 11:28-30, and 2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

Line 3 : Repeats Verse 1, line 3.

Lines 4 and 5: That is, God is the light within us (Matthew 5:14-16, Ephesians 5:8, 1 Peter 2:9, 1 John 1:5-7, and 1 John 2:7-11).

Line 6 : Repeats Verse 1, line 3.

[Bridge]

Lines 1 and 2: An appropriate response to God’s demonsration of love.

Lines 3 and 4: That is, I deny myself for Christ (Matthew 5:29, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Mark 9:43, Luke 9:23, Acts 20:24, Philippians 3:2-11, Hebrews 11:25, and 1 Peter 2:11).

Lines 5-15: Repeats lines 1-4.

[Post-Chorus]

Lines 1-4: Repeats Chorus, line 5.

[Outro]

Lines 1-4: Repeats Chorus, lines 1-4.

Score: 9/10

3. How would an outsider interpret the song?

Those who do not yet follow Jesus should find its message easy to follow.  Bethel uses everyday language, choosing to use accessible terminology to demonsrate Jesus’ indescribable love for us.  Repetition will not likely bother them as it does me.

Score: 10/10

4. What does this song glorify?

It glorifies God.

Score: 10/10

Closing Comments

Bethel Music’s Extravagant somewhat restores my faith in them with a good song.  Its message is clear, focuses on God, and is most certainly not a “Jesus as my boyfriend” song.  Though it does contain some repetition, believers and unbelievers alike will find its message easy to comprehend, lyrics that glorify God.

Consider adding this one to your worship roster, especially if your church is seeker-friendly.

Final Score: 9.5/10

Artist Info

Track: Extravagant (Live) (listen to the song)

Artist: Bethel Music

Album: Starlight (Live)

Genre: Pop

Release Year: 2017

Duration: 6:11

Agree?  Disagree?  Don’t be shy or have a cow!  Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.

Updates:

06/29/2021 – Added link to other Bethel reviews.

06/11/2021 – Per Artist Theology announcement, I expanded the red text to encourage others to study Bethel Music’s theology.

03/17/2021 – Updated per repetition announcement.  Though I raised section 1’s score, it did not affect the overall score.