Photo by Joseph Barrientos
We The Kingdom is a newcomer, beginning their career in 2018. They released two EP’s: Live at the Wheelhouse (2019) and Live Acoustic Sessions (2020).
Their hit song Holy Water put them on the map, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs.
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.
1. What message does the song communicate?
Broken and afraid, We The Kingdom pays homage to God, begging for His forgiveness. They screwed up their lives, admitting that they are spiritually dead and are enslaved by their transgressions. They want to learn more about this idea of becoming “born again”, recognizing that they require God’s grace.
The reader/listener can only assume that they received it, as We The Kingdom describe forgiveness as sweet as honey, the sound of a symphony, and purifying water on their face. They do not wish to abuse God’s undeserved favor, seeking to become more like Jesus instead of themselves.
The most controversial portion of this song happens to be its title. What does We The Kingdom mean by “holy water”?
As I will discuss in more detail in section 2, its roots can be traced in the Old Testament concept of purification water. The term “Holy” means “set apart”; therefore, purifying water could be said to be holy, since it was set apart to purify ceremonial uncleanliness.
The concept of Holy Water is also commonly found within Roman Catholicism, Anglicanism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Oriental Orthodoxy (among others). It’s also used by “prosperity Gospel” preachers who fleece their flock by selling empty promises of instant healing.
So, what does We The Kingdom mean when they say “Like holy water on my skin”? Initially, I thought that it wasn’t appropriate. I sent several emails to song requesters explaining that it’s not found in the Bible; However, after studying the Old Testament passages regarding purification (see section 2) and comparing it to this line, I’ve come to a different conclusion.
We The Kingdom is not saying that we should engage with ceremonially applying holy water as in the Roman, Anglican, and other church ceremonies. The word “like” is a word that denotes figurative language; a simile. They are using figurative language to describe how one might feel when one receives the Old Testament concept of ceremonial cleansing: refreshed, renewed, and free.
Still, I understand that those who are not Roman Catholic, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, or Oriental Orthodox will find this line uncomfortable (as do I), to which I’ll only apply a small penalty for its usage. This seems to be fair considering that I’m protestant and do not wish to divide with my Catholic, Anglican, or Eastern/Oriental orthodox visitors over a non-essential issue. Perhaps “living water” would be a suitable alternative?
Score: 9/10
2. How much of the lyrics line up with Scripture?
Though I am not comfortable with the phrase “holy water”, based on my commentary in section 1, I have good reason to believe that all these lines agree with Scripture.
Lyrics posted with permission.*
[Verse 1]
God, I’m on my knees again
God, I’m begging please again
I need You
Oh, I need You
Walking down these desert roads
Water for my thirsty soul
I need You
Oh, I need You
We The Kingdom is in a bind and needs God. Why? See Verse 2.
[Chorus]
Your forgiveness
Is like sweet, sweet honey on my lips
Like the sound of a symphony to my ears
Like holy water on my skin, hey!
Forgiveness is a joyous occasion, where We The Kingdom migrates from separation from God into a relationship with Himself. They were once dead in their trespasses, but have been made alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-11, Romans 7:4-6, Galatians 2:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:11, and 1 Peter 2:24). The sweet honey could possibly reference Proverbs 16:24 while the symphony might be the positive version of 1 Corinthians 13:1.
As mentioned in section 1, purifying water is mentioned in the Old Testament, which required water to purify ceremonially unclean people (Leviticus 15:1-32, Leviticus 16:1-34, and Leviticus 17:15, and Numbers 19:17). It intermixes water with the ash of a sacrificed red heifer. Yet, We The Kingdom is using this concept to describe how they feel about forgiveness!
What does forgiveness feel like? Scripture tells us that forgiveness feels like rest (Matthew 11:28-30) and freedom (John 8:32-36, Romans 6:14-22, and Romans 8:2).
[Verse 2]
Dead man walking, slave to sin
The bind described in Verse 1 is that We The Kingdom is both spiritually dead (John 3:36, Romans 5:12-15, Romans 8:13, Ephesians 2:1-3, Ephesians 2:1-2, Ephesians 4:18, Ephesians 5:8, Colossians 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, 1 John 5:12, Revelation 2:11, Revelation 20:6, Revelation, 14, and Revelation 21:8) and a slave to their sin (John 8:34, Romans 6:6, Romans 6:20-22, and 1 Corinthians 6:12).
I wanna know about being born again
Awesome! So did Nicodemus (John 3:3-21).
I need You
Oh, God, I need You
Not in blasphemy by taking God’s name in vain, but because We The Kingdom requires forgiveness for breaking God’s Laws.
So, take me to the riverside
Take me under, baptize
That is, baptize with water and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8, and Luke 3:16).
I need You
Oh, God, I need You, oh-oh
Repeats lines 3 and 4.
[Bridge]
I don’t wanna abuse Your grace
God, I need it every day
This is consistent with the warning of Paul in Romans 6:1-7, that We The Kingdom should not use grace as an excuse to live in sin.
It’s the only thing that ever really
Makes me wanna change
The example and sacrifice of Jesus compels We The Kingdom to be more like Him, different than who they were before knowing Him (John 13:14-15 and 2 Corinthians 5:14-15).
I don’t wanna abuse Your grace
God, I need it every day
It’s the only thing that ever really
Makes me wanna change
I don’t wanna abuse Your grace
God, I need it every day
It’s the only thing that ever really
Makes me wanna change, oh-oh-oh
I don’t wanna abuse Your grace
God, I need it every day
It’s the only thing that ever really
Makes me wanna change
Repeats lines 1-4.
Score: 10/10
3. How would an outsider interpret the song?
Unbelievers who are not living under a rock will easily recognize this song as uniquely Christian. We The Kingdom explicitly uses the name “God” and the term “born again”, the former being religious and the latter used typically by evangelicals. Though they may not truly understand what it means to be born again or a slave to sin, We The Kingdom’s overall message on forgiveness and avoidance to abuse it will not be lost on them. Those who have experienced forgiveness on a human level will identify with its described feeling, even if they aren’t forgiven by God.
They will likely see the concept of holy water as Catholic, Anglican, or Eastern Orthodox, depending on their upbringing. It may possibly distract them from We The Kingdom’s overall message, as opposed to using the term “living water”.
Score: 7/10
4. What does this song glorify?
It glorifies God through describing We The Kingdom’s transformation from slavery to sin to their need for God, finding forgiveness. I may be a bit uncomfortable, but that does not diminish His glory.
Score: 10/10
Closing Comments
We The Kingdom’s Holy Water is a great song for those who can stomach its title. It explores a part of forgiveness that I’ve never thought about, namely, what it feels like to be forgiven. It also talks about We The Kingdom’s prior deadness and slavery to sin, their need for God, and desire to avoid misusing His Grace, all of which bring God glory. They explicitly use the name of God and the concept of becoming born again, easing unbeliever interpretation as uniquely Christian. They likely won’t comprehend the meaning of “slave to sin” or “born again” without further research.
I find it difficult to recommend it for corporate worship given the controversial nature of holy water; However, there is ample Scriptural to support its use.
Final Score: 9/10
Artist Info
Track: Holy Water (Live) (listen to the song)
Artist: We The Kingdom
EP: Live At The Wheelhouse
Genre: Rock
Release Year: 2019
Duration: 4:42
Agree? Disagree? Don’t be shy or have a cow! Calmly and politely state your case in a comment, below.
*Copyright © 2019 We The Kingdom Music (BMI) Andrew Bergthold Designee (ASCAP) We The Kingdom ASCAP Designee (ASCAP) Capitol CMG Genesis (ASCAP) Capitol CMG Paragon (BMI) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Updates:
08/05/2021 – I’m getting conflicting information about whether or not Lutherans use holy water. Therefore, I leaned towards Matt B.’s point and remove it from the list.
03/26/2021 – Updated per repetition announcement. I increased section 1’s score. This did not affect the overall rating.
Comments
Michaela
I guess my main issue with this song is that the style is not designed for corporate worship. The message is alright and based on your analysis, scriptural. One thing I’m learning is that not all good Christian songs are designed for corporate worship. I know the vocal range isn’t considered in your analysis, but I don’t think it’s a good fit for a worship set. In my experience with the song, I feel like I’m showing off and putting on a show when I sing this song.
Vince Wright
Michaela,
Thank you for your comment! Sometimes I consider genre when giving my recommendation; However, you are correct: the “singability” test is outside the scope of my reviews and should be taken into consideration when concocting worship sets.
-Vince Wright
Cathy Rooks
“Honey on my lips…water on my skin” sounds kind of sensual. I can’t relate to this a a worship song.
Kyle Jones
Honey on my mouth is literally from Psalm 119:103, not sure how that’s not appropriate for worship.
Justin Adams
Kyle, you are absolutely correct in that it is appropriate for worship. The problem is taking the use of honey on my lips out of context. The psalmist is saying that the word of God is sweet to his taste, sweeter than honey on my lips. We should be praising Him for How amazing His Word is to us when we follow His commands and study His Word. I feel like they are taking out of context to fit their need for a biblical catchy line.
Jason Redvers Latham
I have never liked this song and I find it a real sham and an obstacle to thinking correctly about God. It parodies everything that people find sacred from forgiveness Grace or the waters of baptism The people that sing this are very blurred in their understanding . I dont like even hearing the opening bars knowing what’s on the wayl
Joyce
I agree with this comment. It seems sensual and not appropriate for worship service.
In Christ
I not familiar with We the Kingdom nor their music, but by the grace of God, I’ll share what I normally say about these issues… the rest is up to your discernment as you ponder God’s Word.
Per these lyrics, God is mentioned & biblical phrases, similes are used. That’s fine, as long as it’s in true context of the Scriptures. So here’s the unbreakable, unchanging measuring stick for ALL:
-Do they ever mention the virgin birth, death & resurrection of Christ their writings, interviews, etc.? Do they testify about the HOLY BLOOD of Jesus Christ, for cleansing from sin and reconciliation with God through repentance and by faith in Him?
Mark 1:14; Acts 2:38; Rom 5:1-2; Col 1:21-25; Titus 3:3-6;
1 Peter 1:18-23;
1 Peter 3:18, 21-22
THIS is the BIBLE’S story… ALL Scripture and every TRUE prophet point to God’s perfect redemptive plan
Gen 3:15; Isaiah 53;
Acts 3:13-26: Acts 4:12;
Hebrews 1:1-4
2 Timothy 3:13-15
Jesus = the LORD SAVES -Eternal God, Emmanuel, Savior, Lord, King!
John 1:1-3, 14, 18
Matthew 1:18-21;
Lk 1:26-35; 2:11;
Isaiah 9:6-7; Acts 4:12
Col 1:12-14
Rev 1:4-8, 12-18; 5:1-14
-Do these modern prophets, teachers, singers, cling to Scripture and proclaim Jesus Christ as GOD & LORD?
Acts 5:30-32; Phil 2:8-11;
Col 1:27-28; 1 Thes 2:13
-Do they testify that Jesus Christ is THEIR God & Lord?
John 1:12, 4:42; 14:6-11
John 20:27-29
1 John 1:1-3; 2:1-2; 4:1-3
Rom 10:9-13; 1 Cor 15:1-8
Maranatha!
Rev 22:6-7, 12-21
John 15:1-8;
2 Cor 13:5, 13
John
And that is what a lot of contemporary Christian songs and groups are now…..a show. Listen to the radio. Much of it is not worship or praise but merely entertainment. And look at the groups and their videos. Ripped jeans, skinny jeans, t-shirts, bushy beards, wool caps and hipster hats. And look at the age group. Are the only Christians in the world in the 20’s and 30’s age group? They appear to be trying to reach only a certain demographic. Why? Do they need a savior like everyone else? They do. Is it that they are the largest demographic group? They are. Is it that they have the most purchasing power? Hmmmmm…….yes they do.
So ask yourself this question:
Why would a true bible believing, student of the Word, uncompromising Christian use the phrase “holy water” in a song when they could so easily used “Living Water”?
Answer: THEY WOULDN’T!
So then who are these modern song writers?
Answer: Modern day charlatans selling holy water……in a song.
Forgive the pun but they are “watering down” the gospel.
As far as this song goes:
Are you gonna tell me that God’s forgiveness, that indescribable feeling of joy, knowing that your sins are forgiven, you’re going to heaven, that you just want to run out and tell everyone about it…….you’re gonna tell me that it is the same(or “like” as the song states) you are really going to tell me that it is like having water put on your skin?
I didn’t think so……it is clearly not…..the sad thing about deception is…..well, you know…..or actually you don’t.
Bottom line:
Stop trying to be a poet when writing songs and stick to the Word of the greatest poet, God Himself.
racefangurl
20’s and 30’s range Christians are the ones most drawn to the CCM’ers. Young grown ups when CCM was born will gravitate toward the early CCM’ers The under 40 age Christians are most drawn to Christian music of the past 30 years typically, which decades really depends on age. Like for most my age, it would be mid-late 90’s on because that’s when I began to remember songs. I have a friend my age who’s a 90’s Christian music fan, likely because she grew up on it, assuming she grew up in church. I grew up on Integrity Music and songs like Shout To The Lord, Trading My Sorrows, The River Is Here and Point of Grace songs, among others.
Michael Livingston
I don’t understand the concern with writing like a poet? Literally the book of psalms, proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Solomon are poetic. Why is that wrong. Jesus used parables to describe heavenly concepts so people could understand them. Why not write worship songs that can help people express and think about biblical values in ways that they can relate to. You have never been so hot or exhausted that the feeling of cold water on your face can be refreshing?
Hampton, Cindy
It is the same way I feel when I see WTK video; it is them showing off and putting on a show with the female vocalist tight clothing and calling attention to herself by being barefoot at every concert. If I could just listen to their music prayerfully without seeing them. I listen to their music if it is scriptural but I can’t watch them as it takes away from the message. People seem seem to worship them instead of Jesus. Is that WTK fault ?
Joel hering
There is a problem with the commentators interpretation of “holy water” used in ritual uncleanliness rituals in the Old Testament. If the comparison is God’s forgiveness, then he is way off base, because in Ancient Israelite ceremonial uncleanliness rituals, there was no element of the forgiveness of sins since there was no moral correlation. The line in the song is fundamentally false as it pertains to a biblical comparison.
Richard Aberdeen
“Whosoever will, let them come and drink freely of the water of life.” Water is used as a metaphor for eternal life in both John and Revelation. It is also used in the story of the Samaritan woman at the well. It would appear that We The Kingdom got this right and you need to re-read the book of John and the book of Revelation.
Joel Hering
Living water in John seven, also in the passage about the woman at the well is not referring to eternal life, but is referring to the Holy Spirit as we see in John7:39 which we cannot have eternal life, without the end dwelling of the Holy Spirit. So when “we the Kingdom” says that his forgiveness is like holy water on our skin, that is inaccurate, because while Christ has died for the sins of the world, we do not receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (living water) unless we believe by faith.
Michael Odom
I agree with your assessment! It’s a great song. But not a great choice for corporate worship.
John D
I can’t believe I’m back on this site again. I believe the moderator of this site doesn’t really do a lot of digging into the authors of this song. he starts off by saying this is a new group. But in reality, these are seasoned songwriters and producers known as the Cash family. They obviously are very talented at creating catchy songs. And I’m sure they’re making plenty of money. Not even close to newcomers
Vince Wright
John D,
Thank you for your comments!
Forgive me if I seem ignorant on the word “newcomer”, but my understanding on the word is along the lines of how long they have been active in the public sphere. They became active in 2018 and released their first single in 2019. This article was written in 2020. So, 2 years active for the band “We the Kingdom” fits under the umbrella of “newcomer” as far as I can tell.
According to https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/newcomer, there are two different definitions of “newcomer”, “one recently arrived” and “rookie”. It seems I am using the first definition and you are using the second.
-Vince Wright
Gabor Bako
Hi,
I would really hear a critic about the Song “God so loved” from We the Kingdom.
What is your oppinion about that they sing God so loved “the World” that “he gave us” – my question would be: what is or what is not biblical: that God loved the World – the people, or, that God loves this World – in which we are living, meaning Terra.
Thanks for your sincery and biblical opinion!
Vince Wright
Gabor,
Great question! Although it’s a bit outside the context of the song Holy Water! :p
The Chorus builds extra words into each iteration, the final Chorus being:
For God so loved the world that He gave us
His one and only Son to save
For God so loved the world that He gave us
His one and only Son to save us
Whoever believes in Him will live forever
Oh, the power of hell forever defeated
Now it is well, I’m walking in freedom
For God so loved, God so loved the world
I’m not sure how this would communicate something other than the famed John 3:16, which says: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” There’s more to it than that of course, but insofar as your question is concerned, the lyrics are clear: it’s the people.
-Vince Wright
Rafał
There’s one verse in the Bible mentioning holy water Numbers 5:17 but I am not sure that can really explain why those words were used in this song
Vince Wright
Rafal,
Thank you for your comment!
Number 5:17 has…a different context. It’s part of an Old Testament test for adultery. You’ll see what I mean when you start in Verse 11 to the chapter’s end.
-Vince Wright
Mia
I struggle with the words “it’s the only thing that ever really makes me want to change” unless I keep it in the context of the new believer making the decision to choose to follow Jesus based on the limited knowledge one may have at that point. For me, I love getting into the song but singing those lyrics don’t ring true in my heart. All attributes of Christ make me want to change. I am looking for someone to shed some light on this with me. Thank you.
Vince Wright
Mia,
Thank you for your inquiry!
The lyrics state that the only thing that causes the desire for We The Kingdom to change is to avoid abusing God’s grace. Grace is undeserved favor with God. We didn’t earn it. We don’t deserve it. Yet, He offers it freely to us. We The Kingdom also states that they depend on God’s grace. This tells me that they wish to honor the undeserved favor bestowed upon them.
How does We The Kingdom both avoid mishandling and embrace respecting God’s grace? They change.
I’m not sure which attributes of Christ makes you want to change (and I’d like to know which do), but I can give you one from Scripture that enables me to become different. It is His love towards me, shown that while I was a wicked sinner, Christ died for me (Romans 5:6-8). That is the grace that I depend on every day.
-Vince Wright
vannotebenjamingmailcom
I’m with you on this one, Mia. Jesus said “Be holy, therefore, as I am holy.” Grace should definitely not be the only reason we want to change. We should want to change because we are commanded to, and because he is holy, among many other reasons. I wish they would have worded it differently, so as not to seem so exclusive.
Tracy
I totally agree!
That’s the part of the song that never sits well with me when I hear it.
Sharon Moseley
This song renewed my faith, helped me focus on what matters most, and effectively was beneficial in my life changes. I totally understood their context for “holy water” from the first time.
It seems there are certain sects of christianity that have issue with new things to the point they rob themselves of so much joy, peace, and the voice of the Holy Spirit.
As for all that critique it as a performance about the group verses a church worship song; I disagree with your assessments. Look at older music from even George Beverly Shea, the Gaithers, even….Bach and Hayden. Put it into perspective. For worshiping, we sing it regularly as a congregation.
Thank you for going through this song line by line and sharing with us. I am interested to read and study more about other new music.
Sharon Moseley
Vince Wright
Sharon,
Thank you for your comments! I am happy that you enjoyed my review and plan to come back for more.
-Vince Wright
racefangurl
Be Thou My Vision was a recent poll song, so hymn do crop up here and check out the all reviews list to find what older songs are already on the blog.
Jason Latham
Personally I do not see how anyone in his or her right mind can derive inspiration from Holy Water and songs like it. I find it has eroded my faith in Christian music immeasurably and together with songs where Jesus is addressed as some kind of lover the output of We The Kingdom has proved to me that far too many Christian’s are in it for the wrong reasons and cannot recognise false teaching when it strikes them in the ears.
Scott
Telling someone that if he/she likes the music from We the Kingdom, that person can’t be “in his or her right mind” is really insulting. Therefore I must reject the criticism leveled in this comment
Nikki
I agree with the controversial nature of the title and line about holy water. We have sung this song in church a few times and every time I have a really hard time singing that line, so many times, I don’t. As someone who isn’t a new believer, I’ve studied the bible a good bit over the years, and I was alarmed when I first heard it at church. I’ve heard it on the radio and like the tune and most of the song… But at church… ? Whether or not the song has SOME scriptural basis, (which seems a bit of a stretch to me because you really have to dig to find out what it could mean.) my first thought and thought every time is that this refers to water that has some special power as in Catholic beliefs. If a new believer (or someone from a Catholic background) heard this song, wouldn’t they be confused by this term? I also agree with the person who commented about the line “it’s the only thing that ever really makes me want to change”… To sing this in corporate worship seems really odd to me, because it is a personal opinion that may or may not be true for the churchgoer singing the song. I have had a really hard time with this song and I appreciate you breaking it down and everyone sharing their opinions on it.
SB
I’m interested in why you hold distrust for songs where Jesus is addressed as a lover. Personally, this view of Jesus has pointed me to a kingdom view where we the church will be His bride. Loving and being loved in a personal relationship Jesus, even here on earth, is spiritually very intimate. Would like to understand why this doesn’t sit well with you.
Joel Hering
See what you just did there, and what so many so called Christians do is that they crossover the cooperate with the personal.
THE CHURCH as a whole is depicted as the bride of Christ. But that is not the relationship we have as individuals.
The relationship we have personally with God is one of Father, and adopted child. And Jesus is our brother.
Matt B.
This is more of technical comment. You mentioned that the song is not referring to the use of ceremonial Holy Water as in Roman Catholic, Lutheran, ect. Be advised Lutherans do not believe in or ceremonial use “Holy Water”. Lutherans do baptize infants, as do Methodists and Presbyterians, but the water is not seen as, or every referred to as, “Holy Water”. At no other juncture is the concept of “Holy Water” used in the Lutheran Church. In in his instruction on baptism, Luther clearly stated the water used in baptism is not holy or special. It is the act of Baptism, because it includes the Word of God, that has power. The water is water.
Vince Wright
Matt,
Thank you for your comment!
I removed Lutheran from the list.
-Vince Wright
Elijah Lubben
Three Comments,
One, I’m not buying the use of the phrase “Holy Water” as “ceremonial cleansing water” since “holy” means “set apart.” You’re thinking of what the word Hebrew word “קָדוֹשׁ” (usually translated as “holy”) meant historically, whether or not its always meant in the sense of “set apart” even in Hebrew is another topic. Holy in English means “dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; sacred.” The purpose of the simile is to compare something that’s hard to understand with something more tangible to flesh out the idea. Forgiveness is described as honey (real tangible thing we can relate to), symphony (again, relatable, tangible), and holy water on the skin. Are we really meant to suddenly project ourselves back to understand how Israelites felt when cleansed of infectious skin diseases and discharges? It seems like it much more readily refers to Catholic Holy Water used to cleanse those entering the church.
My second two issues with the song have to do with singing the song corporately.
You noted wanting to be born again, and being a slave to sin are both biblical concepts, and indeed they both are as you mentioned! But should the body corporately sing that they want to learn about being born again? The assembly is an assembly of believers who are already born again… right? and we are no longer slaves to sin, we have a new master! This would be fine as part of a testimony in the song, but it seems to be a present tense situation for the song. Maybe I misunderstand.
Anyway, I prolly wouldn’t sing it in church, and the Holy Water is most likely to be taken as the catholic rite. I read a note from the band that they meant “living water” (so John 4?), but that makes less sense of the song, especially if the song is trying to connect living water and baptism. Idk though.
Blessings!
Josue Matias
It’s plain and simple Holy water is a catholic term and nowhere in the bible. People that are not mature in the faith can get confused and think catholic holy water is ok for us protestants. It’s like a lot of calling God reckless. These entertainers need to stop making stuff up and stick to the word of God.
Cheryl Schroeder
We The Kingdom band members are your brothers and sister in Christ! A couple of them are fairly new in their faith. They are an amazing band, and folks, like it or not, they are making an impact to bring people to God. Your criticisms are kind of petty …their intent in writing song poetry are to speak an emotion or thought. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO SING THIS SONG IN YOUR CHURCH!! It was not intended for that. But countless people are being encouraged by their music. I just read an above comment from someone who was encouraged by the song. I invited Jesus into my life when I was 7. I’m now in my sixties. I have been a believer for my entire life. I get the ‘Holy water’ comment…you could change it to ‘living water’ if you wanted to sing it in your church. But be ‘mature’ enough to sort that out in your own mind. That doesn’t make the song useless.
Instead of ripping our musicians to pieces every time you don’t like a lyric, you could pray for them and thank God for their influence for the kingdom of God. Get on your knees and support these people who are in a very challenging career in the music industry. We need believers in every aspect of society to make a difference in our fallen world. And We The Kingdom are making a difference. Pray for them and other believers in the industry. They have a giant platform. Pray that they write the lyrics God wants them to write. They are writing ideas, thoughts, emotions, etc. They are not writing scripture.
The words rapture, trinity, and Bible are NOT in the Bible either….to the one who commented that ‘Holy water’ is not there.
Thank you and God bless!
Hampton, Cindy
Yes you are correct rapture and trinity are not found in the KJV but the doctrines are taught in scripture. Pray for the WTK band members to remain steadfast in their faith and not for the show.
“Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord.”
1 Thessalonians 4: 17
John Demola
About the comment that said they were bringing people to God tell me where you find that in the Bible. Eph 5 says that we are to speak to “yourselves” in psalms hymns and spiritual songs. Not sing them to unbelievers.
This is merely entertainment and because the lyrics are not biblical I wouldn’t even call it Christian entertainment let alone worship.
We also sing and make melody in our hearts to the Lord. Don’t see anything about unbelievers.
That’s what the gospel is for. They need to be shown that they completely deprived sinners in need of a savior who is Jesus that has been raised from the dead and defeated death. Come on you all know that! Not some Happy song that they can say oh wow this is cool I like this. That is not the gospel.
**Edited by Vince Wright to remove commentary about the artist’s theology and potential motives that are outside the context of lyrical examination.**
John Demola
And yes holy water is in the Bible but it is in reference to a woman who was accused of adultery yeah not really a good thing.
Tim Nelson
Respectfully I suggest if the artist meant an OT reference symbol in the words “holy water,” they did not leave evidence of this in their song.
Yet, even with an OT reference, or in the suggested replacement of yours, “living water,” I wonder if they miss the mark. Forgiveness as rest and freedom are the most accurate and are found in Scripture.
References to water containing properties that are special, or set apart, are not what a Christian living under the NT believes. Believer Baptism in water is a symbol of what a new life in Christ looks like, and nothing more. The actual transformation is wrought by God. This is how the Baptist denomination, that I belong too, interpets it.
I know other denominations see differentley, so my response is to explain what a Baptist would see.
Tim
I struggle with this song. I like it as a song. It’s catchy. It communicates a taste of the sweetness of being forgiven by the Lord in an artistic way. I’m super glad it encourages all kinds of people who hear it! I am encouraged by it when I find the melody and words stuck in my head and I’m reminded how good it is to be forgiven and under grace. Amen!
My home church uses it in corporate worship. That I’m not so on board with. As a corporate worship song I feel it’s weak at best. As others have commented, the reference to “holy water” just doesn’t cut it scripturally. If the band meant “living water” they could have said “living water” and in fact, titled the the song “Living Water”. However, even that would be problematic because they’re talking about what the water feels like on the skin… “living water” in scripture doesn’t refer to physical water that could be felt on the skin. Purification water just seems like a stretch for the reference too.
Even beyond that one questionable line, the song just isn’t very strong overall for corporate worship. Corporate worship is for those already born again (I mean this in a definitive way, not an exclusive vs invitational way). Corporate worship should focus more heavily on singing praise directly to/for God rather than praise for how the believer feels about being forgiven. The strongest elements of the song are the aspects of confessing need for the Lord expressing a desire not to abuse God’s grace. Those concepts should be totally welcome in corporate worship! I just can’t justify choosing this particular song for corporate worship (at least on the regular) when there are other equally artfully, yet lyrically stronger songs available.
David Pahl
I woke up this morning with this song playing in my mind. I had some questions about the song so I went to the world wide web for answers. (Not always a good thing, mind you) I was happy that I found this website, thebereantest.com, to answer them.
John
The more I come across stuff like this I am becoming increasingly convinced that it’s all apart of the great end times apostasy that Paul spoke of in 2nd Thessalonians. At some point in the near future I believe there will be a push to unite protestants back to Rome. (I mean after all, we all believe in Jesus right?) … That’s likely how they’ll sell it, and those ungrounded in the actual word of God who’ve been feeding primarily on the theologically devoid music and lyrics that CCM continues to pump out may just fall for it.
Of course I could be wrong about all this and it really is just my opinion at this point. I’ve been praying that the Lord give me discernment & wisdom a lot lately and I can’t help but notice that this stuff seems to be leading in that direction. All I can say is never stop studying the word.
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
Daryl Tabor
As a former Protestant and non-denominational Christian and now a grateful Catholic Christian, I judge so many of these comments try to put our awesome God in a tiny, little, itty-bitty human box! God can do ANYTHING He wants to, and if so many of us find joyfulness in the concept of renewal from being bathed in water and the Spirit, what’s it to the rest of you? God gives healing and cleansing to those who come to Him asking for it. BTW, Holy Water is not simply something used in “rituals”. Christ used jars full of ceremonial [Holy] water during the Wedding at Cana to make the finest wine. Stop with the Pharisee and Saducee stuff and let the Holy Spirit accomplish the work of the Father and The Son…
Dave
It is amazing to see the passion for and against this song. I find it refreshingly honest about the battle between the ways of this world and the ways of His Kingdom. The message seems well suited to celebrating His grace. The debate about Holy Water sounds to me like the debate between sprinkling and dunking. I think that some times we get pretty caught up in our customs and practices, and lose the sense of humanity that longs for a connection with the Great I Am. What ever God chooses is Holy. Holy ground, holy communion, holy matrimony, and holy baptism. If baptism is holy, would the waters be holy as part of that experience? God can do whatever He chooses to do, and He can even make you and me a part of His kingdom. We continue to be the limiting factors in this. From the standpoint of how singable the song is, I agree. If you notice, they use two different leads to pull it off. I personally like the style, but find it a challenge in worship. Blessings and best wishes to all!
Brett Carter
I can’t believe nobody is talking about this song being a total rip-off of “Sister Christian” by Night Ranger. 80’s ballads don’t fit the bill for corporate worship.
Gar
I have been a semi-professional musician for 37 years (contemporary P&W for 5 years) and see nothing more than superficial similarity between Sister Christian and Holy Water by We The Kingdom. The chord changes are different, the vocal melody is different, and they’re not even in the same key.
Clean out your ears and get a grip, Brett, unless you just posted here to troll.
Ron Onimous
We totally need a mash-up now 😄