Following are lyrics to “Made Alive Together With Christ” with notes on each line. The main passage that inspired the song is Ephesians 2. This went through several name changes and major rewrites, even complete discarding of verses and choruses, which is tough for me. But it’s better for it. Every single word was debated and is very intentional.

I used to write songs and then find Bible verses to fit in with the lyrics. Now, with a higher view of and reliance on the Word of God, I write lyrics directly according to Scripture–I go to the source first and seek to express those truths with accuracy, brevity, and poetry. I’ll also draw inspiration from great quotes by brothers and sisters in Christ.

//1
Separated by a sea of sin [Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 3:23; Ephesians 4:18]

Wretched, filthy, blind and hopeless, then [Isaiah 64:6; John 9:39; 1 Corinthians 2:14; 2 Corinthians 4:4]

God became a man, my soul to win – my soul to win [John 1:14]

Once, no nature but unrighteousness [Romans 5:12]

Child of wrath and disobedience [Ephesians 2:2-3]

Now, redeemed at the God the Son’s expense – at His expense [Ephesians 1:3-10]

//C
To salvation, sin is all I bring [“You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.” Jonathan Edwards]

In return: a Prophet, Priest, and King [Westminster Shorter Catechism Q23 and related verses]

Now forgiven, to the wondrous cross I cling [Psalm 63:8; Psalm 103:10-12; Galatians 2:20 Philippians 3:10-11]

Made alive together with Christ [Ephesians 2:1-5; Colossians 2:13]

//2
Once, to sin and death I was enslaved [John 8:34; Romans 6:6]

By His grace, through faith, I have been saved [Ephesians 2:8]

To abundant life, now I am raised – now I am raised [John 10:10; Ephesians 2:6]

Stranger to the Promise, now brought near [Ephesians 2:12-13]

By the blood of Jesus Christ so dear [Ephesians 2:12-13]

For the Light has come; whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear? [Psalm 27:1; 2 Corinthians 4:6]

//3
He, our Peace, has broken down the wall [Ephesians 2:14-22]

Giving faith that overcomes the Fall [Jude 1:3]

To the saints delivered once for all – once and for all [Jude 1:3]

We, who once were lost, but now are found [Luke 19:10]

Though we drink of earthly sorrows now [“Jesus sat in the midst of joy sipping the coming sorrow, so we can sit in the midst of sorrow and sip the coming joy.” Tim Keller, from a sermon about the Cana Wedding]

Soon before His glory, we’ll bow down – we shall bow down [Philippians 2:9-11; 1 John 3:2]

Ryan Cornett, 2019.