Have you ever heard a song that just resonates with your soul and brings you to tears? “When Death Was Arrested” is one of those powerful Christian songs that have touched millions of people worldwide.
Behind every great song is a powerful story, and “When Death Was Arrested” is no exception. This Christian song has a history and background that adds an extra layer of depth to its already profound lyrics and music.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating history, the rich theology, the musical and production aspects of the song, and the personal testimonies that reveal how “When Death Was Arrested” has impacted Christian culture worldwide.
So, if you’re ready to be inspired, moved, and amazed, keep reading to discover the powerful story behind this Christian song that has become a timeless masterpiece in the hearts of many.
Table of Contents
The History and Background of the Song
It was in 2014 when the Christian worship band, North Point InsideOut, first introduced the world to the moving song, “When Death Was Arrested.” Written by songwriter and worship leader, Adam Kersh, this powerful and uplifting tune has quickly become a favorite for Christians around the globe.
The song’s lyrics are rooted in the biblical story of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, and its message of redemption and freedom through Christ resonates deeply with listeners. Kersh wrote the song after experiencing a period of personal struggle and darkness, and the lyrics reflect his journey to find hope and light in the midst of despair.
Since its release, “When Death Was Arrested” has been covered by numerous other Christian artists and worship teams, and has been sung in countless churches and worship services. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its profound message and the emotional impact it has on those who hear it.
The Origins of “When Death Was Arrested”
-
Co-Written by two worship pastors: The song “When Death Was Arrested” was written by Brandon Coker and Adam Kersh, who were worship pastors at a church in Georgia in 201The two pastors collaborated on the song together, with Kersh writing the melody and Coker contributing the lyrics.
-
Inspiration from a Bible verse: The inspiration for the song came from the scripture passage in Romans 6:5-7, which speaks of how Christ’s death and resurrection has broken the chains of sin and death for all who believe in Him. The lyrics of the song reflect this message of freedom in Christ and celebrate the power of His resurrection.
-
Initial release and success: The song was initially released as a part of the album “Only King Forever” by the worship band Elevation Worship in 201The album was an instant success, and “When Death Was Arrested” quickly became one of the most popular songs on the album, touching the hearts of many listeners with its powerful message of hope and redemption.
Understanding the origins of “When Death Was Arrested” is key to appreciating the heart behind the song and its impact on Christian worship. The next section explores the theology and meaning of the lyrics in more detail.
The Theology and Meaning of the Lyrics
One of the most powerful aspects of “When Death Was Arrested” is its rich theology and deep meaning. The lyrics, penned by Adam Kersh and Paul Taylor Smith, are packed with biblical references and themes that resonate with Christians around the world.
At its core, the song is about the transformative power of Christ’s death and resurrection. The chorus declares, “Oh, your grace so free / Washes over me / You have made me new / Now life begins with You.” These lines capture the heart of the gospel message, emphasizing the gift of salvation that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
Another key theme of the song is victory over sin and death. The bridge proclaims, “Our Savior displayed on a criminal’s cross / Darkness rejoiced as though heaven had lost / But then Jesus arose with our freedom in hand / That’s when death was arrested and my life began.” These lyrics reference the triumph of Jesus over the powers of darkness, highlighting the hope that Christians have in their risen Savior.
Overall, the lyrics of “When Death Was Arrested” offer a powerful message of hope and redemption that has resonated with countless believers. Its biblical themes and strong theological foundation have made it a beloved worship song in churches around the world.
Furthermore, the song’s focus on Christ’s sacrifice and victory over death provides comfort and encouragement to Christians who may be struggling with doubts or fears. Its message reminds believers that, through faith in Christ, they have been set free from the power of sin and death and have been given new life in Him.
The Symbolism of Death and Resurrection in the Song
The powerful message of the song is rooted in the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The song employs the metaphor of death as a form of imprisonment and the resurrection as the moment when Jesus “arrests” death and sets us free. This symbolism is at the heart of the song’s message and gives it its enduring power and resonance.
The lyrics of the song also use vivid imagery to describe the moment of Christ’s resurrection. The line “the ground began to shake” represents the shaking of the earth when Jesus rose from the dead, while the line “the stone was rolled away” alludes to the tomb where Jesus was buried. These images are rich with meaning and help to convey the power and magnitude of the resurrection.
The symbolism of death and resurrection in the song is not only a central theme in Christian theology, but it is also a powerful metaphor for personal transformation and growth. The lyrics invite listeners to reflect on their own experiences of feeling trapped or imprisoned and to see the possibility of a new life and a new beginning.
The Gospel Message of Salvation in the Lyrics
The lyrics of “When Death Was Arrested” proclaim the gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The song speaks of Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), who was crucified and buried, but who conquered death and rose again on the third day (1 Corinthians 15:4). The song emphasizes that it is through Jesus’ death and resurrection that we can be saved from sin and death and have eternal life with Him (John 3:16).
The song also highlights the idea of redemption, emphasizing that through Jesus’ sacrifice, we have been bought back from the power of sin and death (Ephesians 1:7). The lyrics remind us that we are no longer slaves to sin, but have been set free through Christ’s victory over death (Romans 6:6-7).
Overall, the message of “When Death Was Arrested” is one of hope and salvation through Jesus Christ. The song encourages us to place our trust in Him and reminds us of the incredible sacrifice He made on our behalf (Romans 5:8).
The Impact of “When Death Was Arrested” on Christian Culture
Inspiring Worship and Faith
The powerful message of “When Death Was Arrested” has resonated with Christians around the world, inspiring worship and strengthening faith. The song has become a staple in many church services, with its uplifting message and dynamic melody creating a sense of unity and spiritual renewal.
Spreading the Gospel Message
The widespread popularity of “When Death Was Arrested” has also helped to spread the Gospel message to those who may not have heard it otherwise. The song’s clear and concise lyrics, paired with its catchy melody, make it an effective tool for sharing the message of salvation with a wider audience.
Influence on Christian Music
When Death Was Arrested” has had a significant impact on the Christian music industry, inspiring many other artists and songwriters to create music with a similar message and style. The song’s success has also led to increased demand for worship music that is both powerful and accessible.
Transforming Lives and Communities
Through its powerful message and inspiring melody, “When Death Was Arrested” has helped to transform the lives of countless individuals and communities. Many people have shared personal stories of how the song has helped them find hope and healing in difficult times, and how it has strengthened their faith in God.
How the Song Has Become a Favorite Among Churches and Worship Teams
The popularity of “When Death Was Arrested” has grown immensely among churches and worship teams. The song has become a go-to for many congregations due to its powerful lyrics and message of hope.
The song’s emotive and anthemic nature has made it a staple for worship teams around the world. Churches have reported that the song resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, making it a unifying song for congregations.
The song’s catchy melody and singable chorus have also contributed to its popularity. The song is easy to learn and has a simple structure, making it accessible for both experienced and inexperienced musicians.
The song has also become a favorite among Christian artists, with many covering it and incorporating it into their live performances. This has helped to further spread the impact of the song and its message.
The Role of “When Death Was Arrested” in Reviving Traditional Hymns in Contemporary Christian Music
The popularity of “When Death Was Arrested” has played a significant role in reviving traditional hymns in contemporary Christian music. This song incorporates a hymn-like structure with modern language, melody, and instrumentation. Many worship teams and artists have been inspired by this song’s success and have started incorporating more hymns into their sets.
As a result of this trend, many hymns that were once forgotten or overlooked are being brought back into the mainstream. Worship leaders and music directors are realizing the value of incorporating these timeless pieces into their services and events.
“When Death Was Arrested” is a prime example of how hymns can be reimagined for contemporary audiences while still preserving their message and spirit. This song has inspired many artists to explore and experiment with hymns in new and exciting ways, leading to a revitalization of this rich tradition in Christian music.
Overall, “When Death Was Arrested” has not only impacted the Christian music industry but also the way we approach worship. It has reminded us of the importance of honoring our heritage while also looking forward to new ways of expressing our faith.
The Music and Production of the Song
When Death Was Arrested is a powerful worship song with a moving message that has resonated with many Christians around the world. The song was produced by the North Point Worship team, which is based at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Georgia.
The song is composed in the key of E, with a moderate tempo of around 74 beats per minute. The instrumentation includes acoustic and electric guitars, drums, bass guitar, and keyboards, as well as a string section and background vocals that add depth and richness to the sound.
The production quality of the song is outstanding, with a clean and polished sound that enhances the overall impact of the lyrics and the music. The use of dynamic contrast and subtle tonal shifts throughout the song adds to its emotional intensity, while the seamless integration of different instruments and vocal parts creates a cohesive and powerful musical experience.
The song’s arrangement features a simple yet effective chord progression that complements the melody and the lyrics perfectly, allowing the listener to fully engage with the song’s message and meaning. The song’s structure is straightforward, with a verse-chorus-verse-chorus-bridge-chorus format that is easy to follow and allows for multiple repetitions of the chorus, which is one of the song’s most memorable and impactful sections.
The song’s production has received critical acclaim from both fans and music industry professionals, and it has been widely recognized as one of the most well-produced and musically compelling worship songs of the modern era.
The Influences and Style of the Song’s Music
The music and production of “When Death Was Arrested” is heavily influenced by modern worship music, contemporary Christian music, and gospel music.
The song features a soaring melody and an anthemic chorus that is reminiscent of many modern worship songs. The use of electric guitars, drums, and synthesizers adds a contemporary feel to the song.
The gospel influence can be heard in the song’s use of gospel choirs and vocal arrangements. The song also features a prominent bass line and organ, which are common in gospel music.
The Creative Process and Collaboration Behind the Production of “When Death Was Arrested”
The song “When Death Was Arrested” was a collaborative effort between three worship leaders and songwriters: Adam Kersh, Brandon Coker, and Heath Balltzglier. The song was written during a songwriting retreat in 2015 and was born out of the writers’ desire to express the Gospel message of salvation in a fresh and powerful way.
The creative process for the song began with the writers sharing their ideas and inspirations for the lyrics and melody. They drew from their personal experiences and their understanding of the Bible to craft the powerful message of the song.
The production of the song was a collaborative effort between the songwriters and producer Shane Wilson. Wilson brought his expertise and creativity to the production process, helping to create the distinctive sound and emotional impact of the song. The use of instruments like the strings, acoustic guitar, and drums all contributed to the unique sound of the track.
Ultimately, the collaboration between the writers and producer resulted in a powerful and moving song that has touched the hearts of many and become a staple in many churches and worship services around the world.
Personal Testimonies and Stories of Transformation Through the Song
Hope: “When Death Was Arrested” is more than just a song to me; it is a message of hope that saved my life. At a time when I was struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts, the song reminded me of the hope and joy that come from knowing Jesus Christ.”
Healing: “I have always struggled with addiction, but the lyrics of “When Death Was Arrested” touched me in a profound way. Through the song, I was able to find healing and strength to overcome my struggles. The line ‘My mourning grew quiet, and my feet rose to dance’ was particularly powerful to me.”
Redemption: “As someone who has made many mistakes in my life, “When Death Was Arrested” speaks to me about the redemption and forgiveness that is available through Christ. The line ‘Oh Your grace so free, washes over me’ reminds me that no matter what I have done, God’s love is greater.”
How “When Death Was Arrested” Has Brought Comfort and Hope to Those Who Have Lost Loved Ones
The loss of a loved one can be a difficult and painful experience. However, “When Death Was Arrested” has brought comfort and hope to many who have experienced this loss. The lyrics of the song remind us that death is not the end, but rather a new beginning. Through Christ, we can find peace and hope in the midst of grief.
The powerful message of the song has touched the hearts of many, providing a source of comfort and strength during times of loss and sorrow. The song’s lyrics encourage listeners to place their trust in Christ and to find solace in the promise of eternal life.
Through its message of hope and redemption, “When Death Was Arrested” has become a powerful tool for ministers and pastors to offer comfort and guidance to their congregations during times of mourning. The song’s powerful message and uplifting melody offer a sense of comfort and hope to those who are grieving.
The Stories of Redemption and Spiritual Awakening Through the Message of the Song
Many people have shared stories of how “When Death Was Arrested” has impacted their spiritual lives. The song’s message of redemption and hope has brought spiritual awakening to those who were lost or struggling with their faith. People have shared how the song has helped them find peace, hope, and healing.
The lyrics of the song emphasize the power of the resurrection and the transformation that takes place when a person surrenders their life to Jesus. The song speaks to the heart of the Gospel message, and many have been moved to make a commitment to follow Christ after hearing the song.
Some have shared how the song has been a source of comfort during difficult times, reminding them of the hope they have in Christ. The song has helped people find strength and perseverance in their faith, even in the midst of trials and suffering.
The Powerful Role of Music in Encouraging and Strengthening Believers in Their Faith
Music has always played a vital role in Christian worship, with its ability to touch people’s hearts and bring them closer to God. Through music, believers can express their praise, thanksgiving, and petitions to God. It can also serve as a powerful tool for evangelism, leading people to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
Moreover, music can have a profound impact on the spiritual lives of believers, encouraging and strengthening them in their faith. It can provide comfort in times of sorrow, joy in times of celebration, and hope in times of uncertainty. Music can also help believers to remember God’s promises and to trust in His faithfulness.
The song “When Death Was Arrested” is a prime example of the powerful role of music in encouraging and strengthening believers in their faith. Its message of redemption and the triumph of Christ over death is a source of inspiration and hope for many Christians around the world. The lyrics remind believers that they have been set free from the power of sin and death and that they can live in the freedom and victory of Christ.