Photo by Wyron A
I reviewed two of Jesus Culture’s songs in the past, namely, Rooftops and You Won’t Relent, both receiving favorable scores. Since my church regularly plays Your Love Never Fails, I thought I would review it and hope others are interested.
Those of you who are interested in more information about Jesus Culture may read the introduction of Rooftops. Otherwise, keep reading for my review of Your Love Never Fails.
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?
“You” has a love for me that cannot fizzle, regardless of circumstances, conditions, location, or errors. Free of fear and perplexed at the idea of navigating to the other side, I recognize that all this is for my own benefit.
Though the identity of “You” is not explicitly stated, there are two things that point us believe that “You” refers to God:
- A single reference within the Chorus (though repeated) to His unchanging nature; and
- Overly Scriptural references.
Side Note: To those who are sensitive to massive repetition, Bridge repeats a half dozen times in one instance and nine in another.
Score: 9/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
The entire song is consistent with the Word of God.
Lyrics posted with permission.*
[Verse 1]
Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
While Romans 8:38-39 gives us a laundry list of things that cannot separate us from God’s love, Jesus Culture’s word “nothing” succinctly captures the idea behind these two verses.
Your love never fails
While our love is often fleeting and temporary, God’s love can never fail us because God and His ways are perfect (Leviticus 11:44-45, Leviticus 19:2, Deuteronomy 32:4, 2 Samuel 22:31, Psalm 12:6, Psalm 18:30, Psalm 19:7-11, Psalm 25:8, Psalm 92:15, Isaiah 26:7, Matthew 5:48, Mark 10:18, Luke 18:19, Romans 12:1-2, and 1 Peter 1:16). God is also love (1 John 4:8).
I know I still make mistakes but
An acknowledgment of our guilt before God, consistent with Psalm 14:1-3, Psalm 53:1-3, Luke 18:19, Romans 3:10-12, and Romans 3:23.
You have new mercies for me everyday
Or more specifically, in accordance with Lamentations 3:22-23, His mercies are new every morning.
Your love never fails
Repeats line 3.
[Chorus 1]
You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
Though God does change His mind (see article on God changes His mind), God Himself, in His nature, does not change (see Numbers 23:19, Malachi 3:6, Hebrews 13:8, and James 1:17).
There may be pain in the night
But joy comes in the morning
Directly quoted from Psalms 30:5, which is part of a larger context about giving thanks to God, consistent with the demeanor and tone of this song. It draws attention to the momentary anger God had towards us overshadowed by the mercies received forever.
And when the oceans rage
I don’t have to be afraid
Though Jesus Culture is not specific about what the “oceans” refer to, a common sense interpretation is a catch-all for the troubles in this life. It is because of God that we don’t have to fear our own circumstances (see 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).
Because I know that You love me
We know God loves us for two reasons:
- As mentioned earlier, God is love; and
- God’s actions towards us (see 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).
Your love never fails
Repeats Verse 1 line 3.
[Verse 2]
The wind is strong and the water’s deep
I’m not alone in these open seas
More oceanic language that pairs with Chorus 1 line 5. God will never leave us or forsake us (see Deuteronomy 31:6 and Hebrews 13:5).
‘Cause Your love never fails
Repeats Verse 1 line 3 with an added “’cause”.
The chasm is far too wide
I never thought I’d reach the other side
Specifically refers to the separation between God and us. It describes God’s rescue from eternal separation into a relationship with Himself (see 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).
‘Cause Your love never fails
Repeats Verse 1 line 3 with an added “’cause”.
[Chorus]
Repeats Chorus 1 with the exception of this line, existing in line 8: Lift up and shout, This is a direction of praise to God.
[Bridge]
‘Cause You make all things, work together for my good
Directly references Romans 8:28.
You make all things, work together for my good
‘Cause You make all things, work together for my good
‘Cause You make all things work together for my good
You make all things work together for my good
You make all things work together for my good
Repeats line 1, with or without the leading “cause”.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
I’m not entirely sure how much an unbeliever will understand. Yes, there are a lot of Bible references throughout these lyrics; however, for someone who understands little to nothing about the Bible, I suspect that much of this song will go over their heads. This song seems to have Christians in mind, using language that is not as accessible to the uninitiated. Will they understand this to be a Christian song? Maybe with the Chorus, but it’s a crapshoot at best.
My suspicion is that it will leave their heads scratching asking themselves “what in thunder are they talking about?” Except without the mention of thunder.
Score: 2/10
4. What does this song glorify?
Though somewhat hidden, God’s glory shines forth throughout these lyrics. Even if the “darkness cannot comprehend it” (John 1:5).
Score: 9/10
Closing Comments
Your Love Never Fails is a mixed bag. Though highly Scriptural, its message suffers from too much repetition, with an unattainable message for unbelievers. Still, God’s glory can be found within Jesus Culture’s hit song, even if the unsaved may not get it.
Overall, it’s a great song for Christ-followers, especially during worship. It’s just not for me.
Final Score: 7.5/10
Artist Info
Track: Your Love Never Fails (Live) (listen to the song)
Artist: Jesus Culture
Album: Your Love Never Fails (Live)
Genre: Rock
Release Year: 2010
Duration: 7:57
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
Updates:
03/31/2022 – Per Artist Theology announcement, I expanded the red text to encourage others to study Jesus Culture’s theology.
03/24/2021 – Updated per repetition announcement. I also increased the score for sections 1 and 4. This did not affect the overall rating.
Comments
Charles Busada
I’m sorry, but I just cannot accept “I know that I make mistakes.” This is just about as bad as the “Spirit in the sky ” lyric, “I’ve never sinned, I have a friend in Jesus.” Well . . . maybe not that bad, but it does neglect the fact that our “mistakes” are rooted in idolatry, self, and our depravity of high-handed sin against God. It is far too much of a euphemism or to be kind, a gross understatement. Yes, we can get things a bit wrong, as in Luke 18:19, but certainly, this is not what the song has in mind. And, it is so degrading to God. The Father sent his Son to die for us, not to correct our “mistakes,” but to cover the guilt of vile sin. Did the band just not want to mention “sin”? or did they just go with “mistakes” because it fit the cadence of the song? But, regardless, it turned this song from bad to vile. Satan likes it though. He likes it when we do not take our sin seriously. That was C.S. Lewis’ main point in “Screwtape Letters.” Yes Uncle Screwtape just loves this song.
tastywallet
Charles,
Thank you for your comment! I understand your perspective, that you believe calling it mistakes does not do justice to the gravity of missing the mark, the literal definition of sin rooted in Romans 3:23. I have also read the Screwtape letters, one of his finest works. Personally, I wouldn’t go as far as to say Uncle Screwtape loves this song, but I can understand why you believe so.
-TastyWallet
Neal Cruco
I too love this song, but the repetition kept turning me off and making me want to skip it every time it came up in my library. Turns out that Newsboys did a version of it that strips out all that padding- I think there’s only two repetitions of the bridge. Anyone who wants to add this song to their music library will probably prefer that one.
Charles Busada
So, passing on from the “I still make mistakes” line I offer this:
We play this song often in our services. We just cut out the repetition and I’m sure that most bands do this to varying extents. But, we also have done this song in four keys. This indicates to me that the song is difficult to sing. So, I recently challenged our band to just find one key and keep it. Their response, naturally, was that different singers lead the song at different times and it is necessary to accommodate their varied vocal ranges. I responded by saying that there is only one singer that we should be concerned about, and that is “the congregation.” If this song is difficult for us to sing, then imagine what the congregation must go through.
But frankly, I do think that this song is difficult to sing, not only in its range, but in its composition. This song does not have easily recognizable melodies, and the various melodies are rather abrupt and disjointed. At least I see it that way.
Neal Cruco
Interesting point. I don’t remember hearing this sung in church, but I’ve certainly never encountered a song during worship that was difficult for me to sing. And when I listen to it in my music library, it doesn’t sound difficult to sing…
Charles busada
Well to clarify, the song it’s not particularly difficult if you know it and if you’ve heard it quite a few times. But the melody is a bit disjunct and it just means that people who do not have the prerequisite, knowing the song well, often have a difficult time of it. Ha, maybe that’s why it has so many repetitions 🙂
Heather
I understand where you’re coming from — re the bridge – but I don’t think this song interprets it correctly. Remember, Paul was the author of Romans, and he went through MANY trials. Not all of the trials worked together for Paul’s good, recall that he asked many times for a particular thorn to be taken from him and it wasn’t. I really thing that this part of scripture is about all things working together for GOOD — in God’s perspective. In my own experience too not all things have a final good outcome in our lifetime. But in God’s perspective as I grow closer to him through my suffering and trials, and as handling it in a Christlike manner shows the my world the way Christ can transform you, it is for His good and His glory that ALL things work together for. In our own church we omit the word “my” which seems so self-centered, and use either “All thing work together for good” or “all things work together for His good.”
Vince Wright
Heather,
Thank you for your challenge!
I agree with your interpretation of Romans 8:28; However, I’m not sure how your points take away from Jesus culture’s words. In Romans 8:28, the word “good” is in reference to “those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose”. Also, God causes them to occur. Both points exist in this lyric. Therefore, I’m not sure how this could be interpreted as man’s perspective in the song and God’s perspective in Romans 8:28. Especially since the song is God-centered.
-Vince Wright
Charles J Busada
Heather, I think that you have good points. And, I do agree with you that the song has a tendency to be self centered. After all, it calls “sin,” “mistakes” and I think that this is dreadful.
Your comment helps me to think of Philip: 1.29 where Paul writes that “not only is it given to you to believe, but also to suffer for His sake.
Most people will not think of suffering as a gift! But, here in Philippians it is clearly stated. God gifts us with suffering for growth of our character and for His glory.
The song is what the song is. It lyrics lack depth and clarity at the same time. With thousands of other songs to choose from I just don’t see how it can make the cut into anyone’s worship set.
Sorry if I’m grouchy, I have contagion cabin fever.
Albert
Wow. I just found this website. How great and helpful!!!
So my only crucial issue with this song – which I otherwise really love – is the line “nothing can separate, even if I run away”. Yes – in one true sense – those who run away – if they truly belong to Jesus will always come back. In another more clear sense, we are warned very soberly and urgently not to ever turn away from God. See especially the famous warning passages in see Hebrews 3, 6, and 10. These warnings are designed to keep us near Him and are one of the ways Jesus sees to it that we never finally and fully fall away.
But I can’t think of any verse that intimates that if we abandon Christ He is sure to make sure we don’t stay away. Though this may be true in an ultimate sense, I don’t see Jesus or the Apostles ever speaking like this. Rather – the command is always “ABIDE” or “REMAIN” with the warning in John 15:6 “If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” This is the reason – especially in this age of “deconstruction” that can express tragic apostasy, that I don’t want to bring an otherwise wonderful song to my church as it seems to at least imply Christ can be abandoned and things will still turn out ok.
Charles Busada
Sorry that this is so long, but Albert hit on a great point. I’ll phrase it as “is it wrong to sing songs have unclear lyrics that can be troublesome to the congregations that are singing them?
In my never-so-humble-opinion there is plenty wrong with this song, but this line “nothing can separate) is not one of them. In a theological sense, no believer can truly separate himself from God for God is omnipresent. But, you are correct that Paul is adamant that if a man or woman so hardens their hearts that “God will give them up” (And this, many think that this is the behind the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and the unpardonable sin. (Read most any commentary on Hebrews 6 for the debate).
But, one could argue that a true believer could never go that far without God’s intervention (Francis Thomson’s late 19th century poem “The Hounds of Heaven.) Ps139:9 tells us that no matter where one goes, even to the bottom of the ocean, God is still there (ask Jonah!).
Concerning your reference to John 15: most evangelical scholars that I have read argue that John, throughout his Gospel makes a distinction between a genuine faith and a spurious faith. The latter faith cannot save and Jesus tells us to abide. Spurious faith, for example is in view when Jesus tells his disciples that “You must eat my flesh and drink my blood.” Most all of them left as this sounded so lewd as to question this “hard saying.” So, Jesus’ “abide in me” maybe should be interpreted within John’s view of belief.
And since all of the above has been subject to different interpretations by believers, it may just be a call that you would make as to play the song. For, 5-point Calvinists would have absolutely no trouble with this for the “Unconditional Election” and “Perseverance of the Saints” are the foundation for their belief that a believer, sealed with the Holy Spirit, can not lose his/her salvation. Even the majority of churches holding to “Once-Saved always Saved” would probably accept those two Calvinistic statements, but likely not all of the five. And finally, a “Free will” church might have real problems with the song line in question. Such Armenian churches (Wesleyan, Nazarene, and others) may teach that one can lose one’s salvation. These churches would have a definite problem with this line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . But, last thought: it is really good that we should be specific with our words so that they can raise some eyebrows. There is nothing wrong with a song appealing to one specific group. The problem with so many songs today is that they are so watered down so to appeal to all Christians. It’s sort of a “political correctness” in CCM. It has to be non-controversial to get on the FM radio.
Neal Cruco
Albert,
Consider the end of Romans 8:
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:31-39 (NASB)
Neither present nor future things can separate us from the love of Christ. That includes any future rejection of Christ or His commands. Hebrews 10 makes this very clear, stating repeatedly that Christ’s sacrifice was for all time. All sin before and after salvation was covered by it. (vv. 10, 12, 14, 18)
Our salvation was not achieved by our own effort, nor can it be maintained by our own effort. Therefore, how can we claim that we are capable of losing it through our own effort? It cheapens Christ’s sacrifice to claim that we could do anything that outweighs it.
As for the passages from Hebrews that you cite, they are difficult to interpret, but one thing is clear: the Bible is truth, and truth cannot contradict itself. Therefore, the Bible cannot contradict itself either. These pages may shed some light:
https://www.gotquestions.org/Hebrews-6.html
https://www.gotquestions.org/Hebrews-10-26.html
General Disclaimer: Those who read and comment on a website like this usually do so because they like to rigorously evaluate Christian music. Sometimes, we have different opinions on a song, and we see those differences of opinion as a personal attack. In Romans 14, Paul focuses on how we should respond when we disagree with other Christians on secondary matters. He exhorts us to follow our convictions and respect other Christians for doing the same. If your convictions on this song differ from mine, please follow yours and do not take mine personally.
“But if you have doubts about whether or not you should [do] something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning.”
Romans 14:23 (NLT)
Phil Pitney
I agree that the peotic license that the author of the song is taking by adding the word “my” is misleading. The song lifts or quotes from several places in scripture. I believe when you do that, you have a duty to be accurate. Imagine all the other places in scripture where adding a single word like “my” would completely change the meaning. Scholars and translators spend a great deal of time agonizing over ever word in the Bible to assure accuracy. We should not be so quick to dismiss the addition of a word so the songwriter can fill an extra beat. It is not my good or my truth. It is simply good and yes there is truth. Love the discussion!
Charles J Busada
Correct Phil. The days are long gone where accuracy is key in biblical songwriting. The songwriters that we have today that strive for accuracy (Gettys, Boswell, CityAlight, Townsend etc) do not make the FM radio cut, so we are left with so much error in so many songs. Many, no! Most churches today do not care. Remember, Satan is an “angel of light” in his devices and his ministers (of righteousness) are hard at work in deceiving the church. We are not unaware of his devices though. You just pointed out one of them. I’m not saying that these songwriters are purposely deceiving us by their lyrics. They just don’t see that a loose usage of God’s word is destructive. The problem is rooted in what these songwriters have been taught from the pulpit. When preaching goes sour, the body gets confused, and then God’s word is unknowingly attacked. Satan is hard at work preaching a manufactured gospel where God’s word is subtly altered. He is a Liar and this is how he goes about it. God, however, is allowing it for a time, and intends to make good out of this. But the ‘good’ is not for the songwriter, or even the song singer, it is for the Church. For me, the fact that the song prefers to use the word “mistakes” for “sin” makes it worthy of the trash can. No church should ever sing this song as it truly reflects Satan’s lie. Mistakes are errors in judgment, sin is a cancer that destroys us and cannot be fixed by anything but the blood of the Redeemer. So, in the past, songwriters strived painfully for accuracy, and their songs and hymns would tell a story. This song tells us the wrong story. Songs are full of biblical references, but they are “cut and paste” and this is what we get.