Almighty God

Passion's “Almighty God” pictures the church joining the worship of heaven. It opens with “We join the hymn of all redemption, we raise a banner for the King,” and describes laying golden crowns down before him. The people then shout from the depths of their redeemed lungs because of the blood that was shed as a ransom.

The chorus calls on heaven to shake and on the King of Glory to overflow. “Almighty God, forever You reign. We worship You, for even the grave You overcome.” The lines that follow list the actions of the gathering: magnify, rejoice, hold hands high and sing forever. A verse asks what kind of judge would leave his chambers to pardon prodigals and thieves, and answers with the crown of thorns and a torn veil. The idea of a judge who takes the sentence himself is the central surprise of the song. The ending takes up the cry of the angels, with the people calling out “Holy, holy, holy” and singing that there is no end. The song suits a large gathering and a strong band, but its words also hold up in a quiet setting. It places the cross and resurrection side by side with praise to the one who reigns forever.

Casting crowns before the throne is Revelation 4:10-11. The torn veil is Matthew 27:51, and the cry of holy, holy, holy is Isaiah 6:3.