Photo by Gabriel Barletta
CityAlight has its roots centered around their church, which is structured similarly to Hillsong, Bethel, and Citipointe. CityAlight hails from St Paul’s Castle Hill, which is located in Sydney, Australia. Fifteen parishioners, who were also songwriters, wrote fifty songs in 2014, all of which contained a focus on Scripturally sound lyrics with simple music as its backdrop. Only ten passed the rigorous test of pastors, musicians, and lyricists who reviewed their songs.
These ten songs were recorded live that same year, released as their title album Yours Alone. They also released a second album in 2016, Only a Holy God, and EP Yet Not I in 2018. Their EP’s title song, Yet not I but through Christ in Me, has been requested for review.
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?
This song unpacks a truckload of information about God and Christians using a firehose. I attempted to separate them in bullet points.
Statements about God
- Gives grace
- Gives us His son, His greatest gift
- Redeemer
- Source of:
- joy
- righteousness
- freedom
- love
- internal peace
- Jesus is mankind’s only hope for the forgiveness of sins
- Paid the penalty for mankind
- Holy Spirit lives in mankind
- Does not forsake Christ-followers
- Power displayed in mankind’s weaknesses
- Defender
- Leader
- Overcomes death via resurrection
- Sustains Christ-followers
- Recipient of eternal praise
- All glory given to Jesus implicitly glorifies the Father
Statements about Christ-followers
- Fix their eyes on Jesus
- Lives in us
- Recipients of forgiveness
- Hope is only in Jesus
- Strong when weak
- Free from past sinful lifestyle
- Recipient of God’s continual spiritual renewal
- Will eternally praise God
Score: 10/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
There is a flood of Bible verses expressed throughout these lyrics, none of which there is disagreement.
Lyrics posted with permission.*
[Verse 1]
What gift of grace is Jesus, my redeemer
That is, the gift of undeserved favor (Genesis 15:6, Exodus 33:19, Psalm 32:1-2, Romans 3:21-24, Romans 4:3-8, Romans 5:1-2, Romans 5:6-8, Romans 5:15-21, Romans 6:14, Romans 8:1-4, Romans 9:14-16, Romans 11:5-6, Galatians 2:21, Galatians 3:6, Galatians 5:4, Ephesians 1:7, Ephesians 2:4-9, 2 Thessalonians 2:16, Titus 2:11, 1 Timothy 1:15-16, and James 2:23).
There is no more for heaven now to give
The promised Son was prophecied in Isaiah 9:6 and fulfilled through Jesus in Luke 1:26-38 and Matthew 1:18-25. He is the greatest gift the Father could offer us, demonstrating how much He loves us (John 3:16 and Romans 5:6-8).
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace
God is the source of:
- Joy (1 Thessalonians 1:6 and Hebrews 12:2)
- Righteousness (Exodus 9:27, Deuteronomy 32:4, Judges 5:11, 1 Samuel 12:7, 2 Samuel 23:3-4, Ezra 9:15, Nehemiah 9:8, Job 37:23, Psalm 7:11, Psalm 9:8, Psalm 11:7, Psalm 36:6, Psalm 35:24, Psalm 40:10, Psalm 48:10, Psalm 50:6, Psalm 65:5, Psalm 89:14, Psalm 96:13, Psalm 97:2, Psalm 97:6, Psalm 99:4, Psalm 103:6, Psalm 119:137, Psalm 71:19, Psalm 111:2-3, Psalm 119:7, Psalm 119:142, Psalm 129:4, Psalm 145:17, Isaiah 5:16, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 45:21, Isaiah 46:13, Isaiah 51:8, Jeremiah 9:24, Jeremiah 11:20, Jeremiah 12:1, Lamentations 1:18, Daniel 9:14-16, Micah 6:5, Zephaniah 3:5, Zechariah 8:8, John 17:25, 2 Timothy 4:8, and Revelation 15:3)
- Freedom (Psalm 119:45, Isaiah 58:6, Isaiah 61:1, John 3:16-21, John 8:31-36, John 10:10, Acts 13:38-39, Romans 6:1-23, Romans 8:1-4, Romans 8:20-21, 1 Corinthians 6:12, 1 Corinthians 7:21-23, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Galatians 2:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:22, Galatians 5:1, Galatians 5:13, Colossians 1:21-23, Hebrews 2:14-15, and 1 Peter 2:16)
- Love (Nehemiah 9:17, Psalm 17:7, Psalm 36:5-7, Psalm 63:3, Psalm 69:16, Psalm 117:2, Isaiah 54:8, John 3:16, John 13:34, John 15:13, Romans 5:6-8, Romans 8:37-39, Galatians 2:20, Ephesians 2:4-5, Ephesians 5:25, Titus 3:4, 1 John 4:8, and 1 John 4:16-19)
- Internal peace (John 14:27, John 16:29-33, Romans 5:1, Ephesians 2:14-15, and Colossians 3:15).
[Chorus 1]
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
It is only in Jesus through whom we may be saved (Acts 4:10-12) and by which we may access the Father (John 14:6).
For my life is wholly bound to His
Our entire life is centered on Christ (Hebrews 12:2).
Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing: All is mine!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
We no longer live, but Christ who lives within us (Galatians 2:20). This occurs through the Holy Spirit (Acts 6:5, Romans 8:9-11, 1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:16-19, Galatians 4:6, Ephesians 5:18, and 2 Timothy 1:14).
[Verse 2]
The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Saviour He will stay
God’s light conquers darkness (Psalm 107:10-16, Luke 1:79, John 1:1-13, John 12:46, Ephesians 5:8, Colossians 1:13, 1 Peter 2:9. He does not leave nor forsake those who are His (Deuteronomy 31:6, Psalm 118:6 and Hebrews 13:5-6).
I labour on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed
In the same way as Paul, who manifested the power of God in weakness, so His strength is made perfect in our inadequacies (2 Corinthians 12:9).
[Chorus 2]
To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley, He will lead
Jesus, who is the good shepherd (John 10:11-18), is our defense (Ruth 2:12, 2 Samuel 22:3-4, Psalm 3:3, Psalm 5:11, Psalm 18:30, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 32:7, Psalm 34:22, Psalm 41:2, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 57:1, Psalm 59:1, Psalm 61:3, Psalm 91:1-16, Psalm 118:8, Psalm 121:7-8, Psalm 138:7, Proverbs 18:10, Proverbs 30:5, Nahum 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, and 1 John 5:18) and leads us through trials and tribulations, comforting us (Psalm 23:4).
Oh, the night has been won, and I shall overcome
For the first part, see Verse 1, line 1. Line 4 connects with the second part, which shows God overcoming and not us.
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Repeats Chorus, line 4.
[Verse 3]
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future sure, the price it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave
Christ paid the penalty for our lawbreaking to which we may attain forgiveness for sins (Isaiah 53:1-12, Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, John 1:29, John 3:16, John 19:30, Acts 4:12, Acts 20:28, Romans 5:6-10, Romans 6:23, 1 Corinthians 1:30, 1 Corinthians 6:20, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Galatians 1:3-4, Galatians 3:13, Ephesians 1:7, Colossians 2:14, 1 Timothy 2:6, Titus 2:14, Hebrews 9:12, Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 9:22, Hebrews 9:26, 1 Peter 1:17-21, 1 Peter 2:24, 1 Peter 1:18-19, 1 John 1:7, 1 John 2:1-2, and Revelation 5:9). He rose from the dead (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, Acts 1:3, Acts 3:15, Acts 4:33, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-8), conqering death (Isaiah 25:8, Hosea 13:14, Luke 20:35-36, 1 Corinthians 15:24-26, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, 2 Timothy 1:10, and Hebrews 2:14) and giving us hope of eternal life (Mark 10:29-30, John 3:15-16, John 3:36, John 4:14, John 5:24, John 5:39-40, John 6:27, John 6:40, John 10:28, John 17:3, John 20:31, Romans 5:21, Romans 6:22-23, Romans 8:18, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, Galatians 6:8, 1 Timothy 1:16, 1 Timothy 6:12, 2 Timothy 2:11 , Hebrews 5:9, 1 Peter 5:10, 1 John 2:23-27, 1 John 5:10-13, 1 John 5:20, Jude 1:20-21, Revelation 3:5, Revelation 7:16-17, and Revelation 21:3-4). Knowing this, what can man do to me (Psalm 27:1, Psalm 118:6, Isaiah 51:12, and Hebrews 13:6)?
[Chorus 3]
To this I hold, my sin has been defeated
That is, nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). See Verse 3.
Jesus now and ever is my plea
See Chorus 1, line 2.
Oh, the chains are released, I can sing: I am free!
That is, the yoke of slavery to sin has been severed (Psalm 116:16, Mark 5:8, Romans 6:20, and Galatians 5:1).
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Repeats Chorus 1, line 4.
[Verse 4]
With every breath, I long to follow Jesus
See Chorus 1, line 2.
For He has said that He will bring me home
Our destination is a new heaven and earth, where God will reign (Matthew 24:35, Luke 21:33, Revelation 6:14, Revelation 20:11, and Revelation 21:1).
And day by day I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne
God changes our desires and sustains us until physical death (1 Samuel 10:9, Psalm 51:10, Ezekiel 11:19, Ezekiel 36:26, and 2 Corinthians 5:17).
[Chorus 4]
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
Repeats Chorus, line 1.
All the glory evermore to Him
According to John 13:31-32, John 14:13, John 17:1-4, Philippians 1:9-11, and Philippians 2:9-11, glory also belongs to the Father. However, according to John 17:1, both the Father and Son glorify each other. When we consider their one-ness (John 10:30, John 14:9, and John 17:21-23), all glory given to Jesus also belongs to the Father.
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
That is, when we die, we will continue to praise God (Nehemiah 9:5, Psalm 30:12, Psalm 52:9, Psalm 86:12, Psalm 89:1, Psalm 115:18, Psalm 145:1-2, Psalm 145:21, and Revelation 5:9-13).
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Repeats Chorus 1, line 4.
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Repeats lines 1-4.
[Outro]
When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat:
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me!
Repeats Chorus 4, lines 3 and 4.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Those who do not yet follow Jesus should find its interpretation easy to comprehend. If they don’t understand some of its terminologies, that is OK. There is enough redundancy surrounding the basic message of Christ crucified for their sins, along with our response to it, that it won’t take away from their overall experience.
Score: 10/10
4. What does this song glorify?
It overwhelms us with the glory, power, and majesty of God through Jesus. These include His power perfected in weakness, the Holy Spirit inside us, and His resurrection from the dead.
Score: 10/10
Closing Comments
The title of CityAlight’s Yet not I but through Christ in Me summarizes this powerful gem. Its message floods us with statements that show the greatness, uniqueness, and attributes of God that all will perceive. It shows the dependence of Christians on God for strength, sustenance, and salvation, bringing Him glory. CityAlight’s daunting review processed paid off!
Shout this one at your rooftops, offices, and congregations.
Final Score: 10/10
Artist Info
Track: Yet not I but through Christ in Me (listen to the song)
Artist: CityAlight
EP: Yet Not I
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 2018
Duration: 5:31
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
*Copyright © 2018 CityAlight Music (APRA) Farren Love And War Pub (SESAC) Integrity’s Alleluia! Music (SESAC) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Updates:
12/14/2022 – Updated Intro to clarify that CityAlight is structured similarly to Hillsong, Bethel, and CityPointe. Thanks to Asinega Asinegad for finding it!
06/18/2022 – Changed Introduction from “Castle Church” to “Castle Hill”.
05/24/2022 – Per conversation with Andy Treece, I decided that Tim Keller is incorrect. Based on the one-ness of Christ, all glory given to Jesus also belongs to the Father. Therefore, I reversed my previous decision, restoring this review to its original 10/10 rating.
01/12/2022 – Updated commentary to critique CityAlight’s statement that all glory belongs to Jesus. Thanks to Tim Keller for finding this! I updated my review from 10/10 to 9/10.
06/11/2021 – Per Artist Theology announcement, I expanded the red text to encourage others to study CityAlight’s theology.
03/15/2021 – Updated per repetition announcement, removing my commentary on the topic.
Comments
Mike
The bigger issue is the line “but through Christ in me”
It should really be “but Christ through me”
Otherwise it’s the same old lie everyone has fallen for since Adam.
Vince Wright
Mike,
Thank you for your comments!
First, “otherwise it’s the same old lie everyone has fallen for since Adam” can’t be true on a logistical level. Chiefly, because Christ didn’t come until ~2,000 years ago. So “but through Christ in me” couldn’t have been around long enough to be the “same old lie everyone has fallen for since Adam”.
Second, even if you had meant the concept of God in me vs. through me, I would appreciate if you could address Galatians 2:20 in light of your comments. Namely, why you think this Verse doesn’t support “but through Christ in me” as I claimed that it did.
EDIT: I read Romans 8 today and would also appreciate if you could explain why Romans 8:10-11 doesn’t work either.
-Vince Wright
Steve Barhydt
Mike,
To follow up Vince’s reply, here are few more references to Christ being ‘IN’ us. Please address these scriptures as well. However, I ask that you answer with more scripture not philosophy.
All from the KJV (Emphasis mine)
*******************************************************
2 Corinthians 13:5,
5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is IN you, except ye be reprobates?
Galatians 1:15-16,
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
16 To reveal his Son IN me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Galatians 4:19
19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed IN you,
Ephesians 3:17
17 That Christ may dwell IN your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Colossians 1:27
27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ IN you, the hope of glory:
**************************************************************
The “same old lie everyone has fallen for since Adam” is that we could be like God
Genesis 3:4-5 (KJV)
4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:
5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.
This is not the same as the promise that God will live in us
2 Corinthians 6:16 (KJV)
16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell IN them, and walk IN them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Keith
The fact that this song, when so Scripture-saturated, is rated lower than songs for contentious artists who are given far more grace (See a Victory and Raise a Hallelujah come to mind) is disappointing and I think when measured against the same standard as those songs that have less supporting scripture, there is a disparity.
Vince Wright
Keith,
Thank you for your comments!
It was rated lower because it contains an error that is unsupported by Scripture. It doesn’t matter how Scripturally saturated a song is or lack thereof. If it contains an error, it will lose points. However, if you disagree with me about my criticism, feel free to present your case and I’ll consider it.
-Vince Wright
Andy Treece
Vince, in that regard have you considered my comment posted on April 1?
Vince Wright
Andy,
Thank you for bringing it to my attention! I apologize for missing your comment.
I didn’t examine my review on Keith’s comment because he wasn’t responding to the specific content. However, yours required me to re-examine my review. I conversed with Steve Barhydt a while back about the word “all”, concluding that the word “all” doesn’t always mean “all” in all instances (See examples). Though I attempted to update all the reviews where I criticized a song for the word “all”, I missed this one. Most likely, because I was looking for songs that contained a rating less than 9.
With that in mind, what I’m reading from your commentary is that all glory given to Jesus will be implicitly given to the Father and Holy Spirit based on their one-ness, correct? It sounds like a good argument that would counter Keller, but I’ll pray on it and see if it changes my mind.
-Vince Wright
Andy Treece
Vince, yes based on the unity in the Godhead. And to clarify, I fully believe in the orthodox Trinitarian doctrine that God is three persons but one in essence, as opposed to the “oneness” heresy that treats the persons of the Godhead simply as modes or manifestations. Thank you for the dialogue.
Vince Wright
Andy,
Awesome! That’s good to know.
-Vince Wright
Andy Treece
First, is that Tim Keller the pastor of Redeemer NYC and famous author in the comments above? Second, I’m not sure I agree with the downgrade from 10 to 9 due to the phrase “all the glory evermore to Him (Christ).” I think it’s consistent with John 17:1, because when we glorify the Son, we also glorify the Father. There is not a competition within the Godhead on who gets the glory – the three persons share in the glory given to the others. Colossians 1:18 says Christ is preeminent – but that does not mean the Father and Spirit are somehow left out of that worship when we rightfully say of the Son that He is preeminent over all creation, does it? Also, John 10:30 – “I and the Father are one.” – so when you worship or glorify the Son, you do the same for the Father.
So from that standpoint, I think the lyric is fine and does not contradict Scripture. Just my thoughts and opinion. I appreciate this site and the dialogue. Blessings.
Danny Zhou
Agreed!
Alb
Absolute gem. 10/10
gevangasteren
I found your website looking for someone commenting on the grammar of “Yet not I but through Christ in me”.
Because, as far as I can see, it’s not correct…
I thought that maybe it’s a literal quote from Scripture which the authors didn’t want to change, even if it isn’t completely according to grammar? However, I didn’t find any source – certainly, it’s not from Paul’s letter, because that reads (at least in the translation you use): it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.
So I’m still wondering: Where did the word “through” come from, or: Which would be the fully written-out version of the sentence that makes it correct grammar?
E.g. this may be an intended meaning, grammatically correct in my ears: “Yet not through me but through Christ in me.”
Vince Wright
gevangasteren,
Thank you for your comment!
Grammar is not something I usually talk about unless it affects the lyric’s meaning, logical validity, or soundness (e.g.; dangling modifier, double negative, false assumption, etc). As far as I can tell, CityAlight added it in connection to its previous line, “Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing: All is mine!”. This song, “All is mine”, is not something the artist sings on its own. It is through Christ in them. But yes, I agree that “Yet not through me but through Christ in me” is the grammatically correct version of that line.
-Vince Wright
gevangasteren
Thank you!
It was more that the funny grammar threw me off so I didn’t know what the authors might have meant to say, or if maybe they were quoting a verse unknown to me.
So I’m glad I asked you, because yes, “All is mine through Christ in me” sounds like a solid interpretation.
And a great thought to keep in mind!
Vince Wright
gevangasteren,
My pleasure!
-Vince Wright
Helen
Thanks, Vince, for the hard work that goes into building better songs for God’s worship.
Hi gevangasteren,
You mentioned the grammar considerations. Thanks. Personally I do not find it incorrect, considering two grammatical tools (inversion-sometimes the subject appears afterwards, like German; and Ellipsis-the Ancient Greek: ἔλλειψις, élleipsis meaning ‘leave out’.) I agree with you that the title/theme reminds me of Gal 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” and Phil 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Then applying the lens of ellipsis, it becomes: the title “Yet not I, but through Christ in me” does powerfully state: “Yet not I “( who lives) “but through Christ” (who strengthens me and lives) “in me”. Please advise.
Yuri
I think “yet not I” came from 1 Corinthians 15:10
gevangasteren
Yes, probably: “I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”
gevangasteren
Although it may equally well be based on – or refer to – the two verses Helen quotes in her commentary here.
Tim Keller
First, I love this song. The ONLY thing about it which I think lacks in proper theology is the sentence “all the glory evermore to him (Jesus).” Philippians 2:9-11 says explicitly that God exalted Jesus to be confessed as Lord, TO the glory of God the Father. This is also consistent with John 17:1 as well as Philippians 1:9-11. See John Piper’s Look at the Book “Is God and Egomaniac?” Philippians 2:9-11.
We’re going to sing it on Sunday, but it is lacking in 100% theological accuracy.
Vince Wright
Tim,
Thank you for your comments!
You’re correct: not all glory belongs to Jesus alone. I updated my review.
-Vince Wright
Harold Geern
I respect the opinion of Tim Keller, but I have to disagree. 2 Peter 3:18 and Ephesians 3:20-21 both say “To Him be the glory,” speaking of of Jesus. While the Bible mentions giving the glory to God far more often than Jesus, I don’t see how it is theologically inaccurate to give glory to Jesus.
Vince Wright
Harold,
Thank you for your comment!
The issue is the qualifier “all”. If Jesus gets all the glory, then logically, the Father receives none.
-Vince Wright
Harold Geern
Ok thanks, that makes sense. I guess if you were to sing it ‘correctly’, then we should find an alternative to the word “all,” rather than necessarily changing the word “Jesus.”
Ryan Lungwitz
I appreciate your thoughts on “All the glory evermore to Him.”
Our church sings “Give the glory evermore to Him.” Therefore, we can give Jesus glory as the book of Revelation asserts He is worthy to receive without expressing that Jesus deserves ALL the glory to the exclusion of God the Father.
Darrel Schneider
I think in Ephesians 3:21, the “him” that gets the glory refers to God from the end of 3:19. It would be odd for it to be Jesus since it says “and in Christ Jesus”. 1 Timothy 1:17 probably refers to giving Jesus glory forever. 2 Timothy 4:18 says to give the Lord (referring to Jesus given the context from Acts 23:11) the glory forever and ever. I think it might be significant that both 2 Peter 3:18 and 2 Timothy 4:18 say “the glory” not “glory”. Given the unity the persons of the Godhead have, I don’t think we want to say the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit have different glory. In John 17:5 Jesus refers to “the glory” as something he had with the Father before creation. So I think we can give this glory to any person of the trinity without excluding the others. Given the mystery of the doctrine of the trinity and how human logic needs to be careful not to rule over it, I think we should be gracious towards anyone who wants to give all glory to any person of the trinity, unless they also say that the other persons do not deserve that glory.
Mike
The bigger issue is the line “but through Christ in me”
It should really be “but Christ through me”
Otherwise it’s really just the same old lie that everyone has fallen for since Adam.
tom
The only real problem I have with this review comes in the introductory sentence. Cityalight is nothing like Bethel or Hillsong. I’m not sure Hillsong has even one pastor thats qualified for eldership. I will cite my source of the internet generally. Cityalight is a breath of fresh air for the churches who want to play some contemporary music but have convictions of playing music that comes from heretics (furtick, lentz, houston, bill johnson)
Vince Wright
tom,
Thank you for your comments! They are in the sense that the band came into being as an outflow from a church organization, as opposed to a band or an individual independently run or backed by a corporation. I’m sorry if my introduction did not convey this clearly.
-Vince Wright
Meang
Hi, thank you for clarifying. I also was wondering the same thing when I first read the intro. Thanks for all you do and taking the time to review these songs with Scripture.
Vince Wright
Meang,
My pleasure!
-Vince Wright
Harold Geern
In the Updates section you have Hillsong (encourage others to study Hillsong’s theology) instead of CityAlight. Great review, love this song and CityAlight. I haven’t found anything wrong with their theology so far. Thanks for what you do!
Vince Wright
Harold,
Thank you for the correction! I copied it from an earlier Hillsong entry and forgot to update the name. I also corrected this for all CityAlight reviews that required an update.
I haven’t either.
-Vince Wright
TL Lewis
I love this song and this group’s music. City Alight strives to write songs with Biblical lyrics, with music simple enough that any church of any size can play, regardless of the size of church/group or instruments available.
Rod
The first time I heard this song I was amazed and how the lyrics literally lifted the words out of the scripture! I suggested to our worship leader that we list some of the scripture references under the words on the screen as we’re singing them.
This morning I decided to catalog all the scripture references that are in this song. Happily, I found your site first! I praise God for the work you are doing; it is so greatly needed today. I’m sure that Paul and the Bereans would be pleased by your work! (As is Christ, I’m confident, as your objective is to glorify God!)
I am on the worship planning team at church and we have struggled with these same issues and use many of your same criteria.
May God bless you greatly as you seek to glorify Him!
Vince Wright
Rod,
Thank you for your compliment! I am glad my review assisted you.
-Vince Wright
Sandy
i am so blessed to find this song as I was praying for a kind of song that is so full of the greatness of God and how gratefully and joyfully this song was sang by the band. we need song that truly centres in GOD and Jesus and filled with the truth of God’s Word. The grace of God has been divinely presented in these lyrics and yes to those who wanted to learn and study of the Scripture about God and His grace, here it is. Thank you for your contribution to the music and song of the century. Perfectly inspired!
Vince Wright
Sandy,
Thank you for your kind words! I appreciate that you took time out of your day to express it.
-Vince Wright
Marc Varidel
Do you know of a French translation of this song ?
And of sheet music available ?
A great song !
Marc
Vince Wright
Marc,
Great question!
Not on the top of my head. I’d have to use Google, just like you would!
-Vince Wright
Jordan
Did heaven really have nothing else to offer?
Vince Wright
Jordan,
Great question! What do propose?
-Vince Wright
DXnsen
“There is no more for heaven now to give” doesn’t clearly communicate that no more is needful but seems to imply an emptiness of supply. More was given and Jesus Himself said it was better for Him to go to the Father and send the Advocate to guide us in truth. For that matter, it is Jesus in Heaven interceding for us and the Holy Spirit by our side (or better yet, within us) until we are before the throne or until we see Jesus descend. I love the intended meaning but wish it were more correctly expressed, albeit with unmusical syllable counts or whatever.
Maria
I have the same thought with that second line. Why did Jesus have to go away?
davarn
Jesus said that He must go away. See John 16:4-14
Troy
Thanks for taking the time to do this on this website! I love the song a bunch, but hesitate to lead it, as this line seems to diminish the role of the Holy Spirit that was sent and is still being given to us in Jesus’ church. Jesus said that He and the Father will send the Holy Spirit. So yes, that is what else Heaven has to send after Jesus, and how we desperately need Him!
alaskanjackal
Jordan–it’s not that heaven had nothing else to offer but rather that the gift of God, eternal life through Jesus Christ, was sufficient for all, and nothing else was necessary. God gave his only Son to us to pay the wages of our sin–no other offering is needed because the ultimate offering has already been given for us. That’s what the lyric is referring to, not that heaven ran out of things to give us.
Shadrack Munene
Awesome, I love the response
Pamela
They mention “born again” and “Christ in me” but what do they actually believe on how one attains those?
Samuel K
I came upon this review by chance and what joy it was to see someone take the time and effort to review a song in such detail and base the review on scripture references. Praise God for your ministry. Please keep up the good work. May God bless you abundantly.
Vince Wright
Samuel,
I am touched and humbled! Thank you for your kind words.
-Vince Wright
Ernest Wilson
I think the psalmist would agree with your 10/10 rating. This just may be angel music, a melody that sings the words back to the great Author.
Vince Wright
Ernest,
Thank you, I appreciate that!
-Vince Wright
Loh Wan Ping
Thank you for posting up your reviews! It was a pleasure reading your posts!
Vince Wright
Loh,
Thanks, I appreciate that!
-Vince Wright
JM
Love the scripture-saturated lyrics of this song, and the wonderful mystery/paradox that ends each chorus (“Yet not I, but through Christ in me!”). Didn’t know about CityAlight before reading your commentary, but I really appreciate their desire to serve the local church and sing the truth plainly (https://www.challies.com/interviews/get-to-know-cityalight-and-their-new-album/)
Thanks for your thorough review!
Vince Wright
JM,
My pleasure! I had not heard of this artist either prior to the user request and subsequent review.
-Vince Wright
Louie
Thank you so much for posting this important review. I came across this song during a very difficult time of my life, and I praise God for ministering to me through this song.
Jesus is Awesome!