Photo by Christian Wiediger
Contemporary Christian artist Darlene Zschech started in 1989 by singing short jingles for major corporations such as KFC, McDonaldâs, and Coca-Cola. She attended Hills Christian Life Centre (now called Hillsong Church), and joined their staff in 1996, leaving the organization in 2006 to pursue a solo career.
Zschech is most famous for her hit song Shout to the Lord. It received numerous Dove nominations and was performed on American Idol in 2008 and for Pope Francis in 2015.
She also released several solo albums, including:
- Make the Choice (1987)
- Pearls & Gold (1993)
- Kiss of Heaven (2003)
- Change Your World (2005)
- Simply Darlene (2011)
- You Are Love (2011)
- Revealing Jesus (2013, live)
- Here I Am Send Me (2017, live)
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 artistâs theology by visiting Resources.
1. What message does the song communicate?
Christ Jesus is Zschech’s Bulwark, Liberator, Companion, Mediator, and source of hope. Jesus donned a crown of thorns during His crucifixion and rose again, overcoming death. Christ’s power drives out fear. All strongholds raised against Christ must be torn down. Christ is Zchech’s joy, worthy of worship and adoration. Zchech is saved by grace and has guardian angels taking charge over her.
As for the term “victor’s crown”, I’ll talk more about this in section 2. For now, let’s just say that this doesn’t negatively impact Zschech’s overall message.
Score: 10/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
The lyrics align with Scripture, with poetic license granted for the term “victor’s crown”.
Lyrics posted with permission.*
[Verse 1]
You are always fighting for us
Heaven’s angels all around
In my initial reading, I thought that “You” was “heaven’s angels”, which I could not support in Scripture. However, upon further examination, it is “Jesus” according to Chorus. He fights our battles (Exodus 14:14, Deuteronomy 3:22, Deuteronomy 20:4, Joshua 1:9, Joshua 23:10, Psalms 44:5, and Romans 8:31).
As for the angels, Psalm 91:11-12 states that God gives angels charge over us.
My delight is found in knowing
That You wear the Victor’s crown
It one translation, the International Standard Version, John 19:5 states: “Then Jesus came outside, wearing the victor’s crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate told them, “Here is the man!”. While Jesus had victory over 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), the term “victor” does not appear anywhere in the Koine Greek within this Verse. Neither does the phrase “victor’s crown” appear anywhere in Scripture.
One could argue “poetic license” given that Jesus wore a crown of thorns and his last words, “it is finished” (John 19:28-30) is a victory in that Christ paid for Zschech’s sins. Very well. I’ll grant it for this review.
You’re my help and my defender
Jesus is Zschech’s refuge and strength (Genesis 15:1, Deuteronomy 33:29, 2 Samuel 22:3, Psalm 3:3, Psalm 5:11, Psalm 12:5, Psalm 18:1-3, Psalm 20:1, Psalm 27:1-5, Psalm 28:7, Proverbs 30:5, Psalm 33:20, Psalm 34:19, Psalm 46:1-3, Psalm 57:1, Psalms 59:1, Psalm 71:1-6, Psalm 84:11, Psalm 89:18, Psalm 91:1-16, Psalm 115:9, Psalm 121:1-8, Psalm 140:4, Proverbs 14:26, Proverbs 18:10, Isaiah 41:10, 1 Corinthians 10:13, and 2 Thessalonians 3:3).
You’re my Savior and my friend
Jesus atones for Zschech’s 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) and calls her “friend” (John 15:15).
By Your grace I live and breathe
To worship You
It is through the grace of God that Zschech is saved (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) as she responds with worship (Matthew 2:11, Matthew 14:33, Matthew 21:9, Matthew 28:8-9, John 12:13, and John 20:28).
[Verse 2]
At the mention of Your greatness
In Your Name I will bow down
For there is no other name in heaven by which we can be saved (John 14:6 and Acts 4:12).
In Your presence fear is silent
For You wear the Victor’s crown
God calls His people out of fear because He will rescue them (Genesis 15:1, Joshua 1:9, Deuteronomy 31:6, 1 Chronicles 28:20, Psalm 23:4, Psalm 27:1, Psalm 34:4, Psalm 56:3-4, Psalm 94:19, Psalm 115:11, Psalm 118:6, Isaiah 35:4, Isaiah 41:10-13, Isaiah 43:1, Isaiah 54:4, John 14:25-27, Romans 8:15, Romans 8:38-39, 2 Timothy 1:7, Hebrews 13:5-6, 1 Peter 3:13-14, 1 Peter 5:6-7, and 1 John 4:18). Also, see commentary on Verse 1, lines 3 and 4.
Let Your glory fill this temple
That is, the temple of the human body filled with the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16, 1 Corinthians 6:19, Ephesians 2:21-22, and 1 Peter 2:5).
Let Your power overflow
After all, Christ is omnipotent (Genesis 1:1-31, Job 11:7-11, Psalm 33:6, Jeremiah 32:17, Romans 4:17, Hebrews 1:3, and Jude 1:24-25).
By Your grace I live and breathe
To worship You
Repeats Verse 1, lines 7 and 8.
[Chorus]
Hallelujah
The word âHallelujahâ is a compound Hebrew phrase, with âhalleluâ meaning âa joyous praise in songâ and âjahâ or âyahâ, which refers to the Tetragrammaton YHWH. Put together, Zschech sings âwe joyfully praise God in songâ.
You have overcome
You have overcome
Hallelujah
Jesus You have overcome the world
This comes from John 16:33, with the pronoun altered from “I” to “You”, combined with the word “hallelujah”, explained in line 1.
[Verse 3]
You are ever interceding
Jesus intercedes on Zschech’s behalf (John 14:6, 1 Timothy 2:5, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 7:24-25, and Hebrews 9:15).
As the lost become the found
References Jesus’ parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and the prodigal son in Luke 15:1-32 and “ninety-nine plus one” illustration in Matthew 18:12-14.
You can never be defeated
Not even death can beat Jesus! See commentary in Verse 1, lines 3 and 4.
For You wear the Victor’s crown
Repeats Verse 1, line 4.
You are Jesus the Messiah
That is, the Savior. See Verse 1, line 6.
You’re the Hope of all the world
See commentary in Verse 2, lines 1 and 2.
By Your grace I live and breathe
To worship You
Repeats Verse 1, lines 7 and 8.
[Bridge]
Every high thing must come down
Every stronghold shall be broken
References 2 Corinthians 10:5, which addresses things that are contrary to the knowledge of God.
You wear the Victor’s crown
Essentially repeats Verse 1, line 4.
You overcome
You overcome
Essentially repeats Chorus, lines 2 and 3.
[Verse 4]
At the cross the work was finished
As stated by Jesus, when he said “It is finished” (or “paid in full”) in John 19:28-30.
You were buried in the ground
But the grave could not contain You
Hallelujah! Jesus rose again (Matthew 28:1-20, Mark 16:1-20, Luke 24:1-12, John 20:1-29 Acts 1:3, Acts 3:15, Acts 4:33, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-8)! This is where the audience rightfully praises with thunderous applause.
For You wear the Victor’s crown
Repeats Verse 1, line 4.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Those outside the camp of Christ will likely interpret this song as Zschech worshipping the Christian God, who died for her, rose again, and wears the “victor’s crown”, which probably has something to do with Jesus’ resurrection. He is her Defender, Savior, and Friend. They probably will not know what “let your glory fill the temple”, interceding, and that the “high things” that come down are spiritual strongholds and principalities that prevent them from following Jesus. Yet, Zschech’s overall message will not be lost on them.
Score: 8/10
4. What does this song glorify?
It glorifies God through magnifying Christ’s victory over death, we’re saved by His Grace, He intercedes for us, and we worship in response.
Score: 10/10
Closing Comments
Darlene Zschech’s Victor’s Crown is a wonderful song. It highlights why she chooses to worship Jesus, namely, that it is by God’s grace, granted based on the work of Jesus, paying for her lawbreaking and rising again, that she attains salvation, bringing God glory. Christ is also her intercessor, refuge, salvation, friend, and source of courage. Unbelievers will comprehend the gist of her message, even if some of the details such as “let your glory fill the temple” or Jesus as Mediator require additional study.
I highly recommend this song for corporate worship.
Final Score: 9.5/10
Artist Info
Track: Victor’s Crown (Live) (listen to the song)
Artist: Darlene Zschech
Album: Revealing Jesus
Genre: Contemporary Christian Music (CCM)
Release Year: 2013
Duration: 7:24
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
*Copyright Š 2013 Worship Together Music (BMI) Integrity Worship Music (ASCAP) Darlene Zschech Co-Pub (APRA) Integrity’s Praise! Music (BMI) Sound Of The New Breed (BMI) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Updates:
09/14/2021 â Per Artist Theology announcement, I expanded the red text to encourage others to study Darlene Zschech’s theology via Hillsong.
03/23/2021 â Updated per repetition announcement. I slightly increased section 1’s score. This did not affect the overall rating.
Comments
Patrick Hunt
Vince, another excellent review. I often turn to this site when selecting scripture to read between the chosen songs in our worship service.
While “victor’s crown” may be poetic license, I see the “victor’s crown” as looking forward to the picture of Christ in Revelation 19:11-21. Verse 12 says “His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns” (NIV 1984). Christ is clearly pictured here as the victor(that wears many crowns). He leads “armies of heaven”, “strikes down the nations”, “rules with an iron scepter”, and “treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty”. After this, the beast and the false prophet are thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfer.
Praise God for His victory over sin and death!
Thank you for your excellent website.
Patrick Hunt
Vince Wright
Patrick,
Thank you for your comments and compliments!
The problem with the futurist view is that it doesn’t fit the overall theme of this song. Nowhere does it talk about the second coming of Christ, which is the context of Revelation 19.
-Vince Wright
Jonathan
Sir, I enjoy reading your reviews, but on this one I have to respectfully disagree. The second coming is more of a blessed assurance than a futuristic view, that’s when Jesus finally reveals Himself as the Victor with many crowns instead of a criminal on a cross with a crown of thorn, and it’s very relevant to us. In Rev. 19, notice that there’s an army of saints dressed in white linen riding along with Him. If you believe that this army is us the universal church, then this piece of message actually implies a pre-tribulation rapture, because at that point He’s not coming down to pick us up, we’re already up there with him. If we stay faithful as the church of Philadelphia, we’ll be spared from the cruel 7 year doom, as stated in Rev 3:10.
Also, His return is NOT in some distant future because such a distant future will not exist. Mankind only has 7000 years of time, based on biblical chronology and numerous verses. From Adam to Christ was 4000 years, at the end is a 1000 year millennial kingdom, and in between is the 2000 year church age. This is consistent with the creation week and the 6-1 pattern throughout the bible, and it also means that the second coming is in the 2030s, depending on the year of crucifixion. Put 7 years prior to that, it could be as early as 2023, that means the rapture is imminent, we only have a little more than a year left!
Vince Wright
Jonathan,
Thank you for your comments! I appreciate that you expressed this alternative explanation and prediction that Christ would come within the next decade. In response, I have two things to say.
First, nowhere in this review did I comment on the second coming of Christ. This confuses me as to why you brought it up. Verse 4 contextualizes the meaning of “victor’s crown”. His wearing of this crown enabled him to rise from the dead, so I’m not sure how its connection to His second coming is a better interpretation.
Second, mankind has been predicting Jesus’ triumphant return as far back as 500 AD (maybe even earlier). Forgive me for taking a more agnostic approach, but I will remain prepared for Jesus to come back like a thief in the night, on a day and hour we do not expect (Matthew 24:42-51). Besides, even if it was true that Jesus came within the next 20 years, it doesn’t change how I live my life from now until then. If it did, I would have some serious commitment problems.
-Vince Wright
Jonathan
I brought this up because this is supposed to be just a poetic expression, but if you wanna find a specific reference that fits that line in the lyrics, that’s in Revelation 19, His second coming. That’s the only section in the whole bible where Jesus is not only crowned, but wearing many crowns. That’s the only place in which Jesus reveals himself as the Victor that sweeps across the whole Earth and feasts on His enemies. So the second coming might not be relevant, but the imagery does.
About the timing of His second coming, though, of course, no one knows the exact day or the hour, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a rough estimate. If this timing was meant to be concealed, Jesus wouldn’t have given this detailed Olive Discourse. Actually, in the same chapter, Jesus told about the evil servant who beats up his fellow servants because “My master is delaying his coming.” Delaying from what? That indicates this servant must have some legitimate knowledge about when the master is supposed to come. Back to the old testament, Israelites were having the same attitude when Moses “delayed” his return on schedule. Just my opinion, I won’t go any further on this topic.