Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery is a modern hymn that powerfully reflects on Christ’s incarnation, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection. Centered on the “wondrous mystery” of the gospel, the song invites worshippers to behold Jesus, the “Lamb in victory,” who “took on flesh to ransom us,” offering hope and redemption through His life, death, and resurrection.
VERSE 1
Come behold the wondrous mystery
In the dawning of the King,
He, the theme of heaven’s praises,
Robed in frail humanity.
In our longing, in our darkness,
Now the Light of Life has come;
Look to Christ, Who condescended,
Took on flesh to ransom us!
VERSE 2
Come behold the wondrous mystery:
He the perfect Son of Man,
In His living, in His suffering,
Never trace nor stain of sin
See the true and better Adam
Come to save the hell-bound man,
Christ, the great and sure fulfillment
Of the law, in Him we stand.
VERSE 3
Come behold the wondrous mystery:
Christ the Lord upon the tree;
In the stead of ruined sinners
Hangs the Lamb in victory!
See the price of our redemption;
See the Father’s plan unfold,
Bringing many sons to glory,
Grace unmeasured, love untold!
VERSE 4
Come behold the wondrous mystery:
Slain by death, the God of life;
But no grave could e’er restrain Him,
Praise the Lord, He is alive!
What a foretaste of deliverance;
How unwavering our hope:
Christ in power resurrected,
As we will be when He comes.
Story Behind the Song
In 2013, songwriters Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, and Michael Bleeker collaborated to create “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery,” a modern hymn that has since become a staple in contemporary worship. [1] The song guides listeners through the life of Christ, from His incarnation to His resurrection, inviting them to reflect deeply on these foundational aspects of the Christian faith. [2]
The hymn’s structure and melody are intentionally simple, designed to draw attention to its profound theological lyrics. This approach ensures that congregations can easily engage with and internalize the song’s message. [3] Since its release, “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” has been widely adopted in various worship settings, including conferences like Together for the Gospel and the Gettys’ Sing! conference, underscoring its impact on modern Christian worship. [4]
The song’s enduring popularity highlights a resurgence in modern hymnody that emphasizes rich theological content and congregational participation. By focusing on the mysteries of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, “Come Behold the Wondrous Mystery” continues to inspire worshippers to contemplate and celebrate the core truths of their faith. [5]
The Essence of the Gospel
“Come behold the wondrous mystery” invites believers to marvel at the profound reality of God’s plan for redemption through the person of Jesus Christ. In His incarnation, “robbed in frail humanity,” Jesus fully embraced the limitations of human nature, as described in John 1:14, showing that the Word became flesh. This humble act was necessary for His role as the perfect sacrifice, “never trace nor stain of sin,” fulfilling the need for a sinless Savior, as Hebrews 4:15 affirms.
On the cross, “the Lamb in victory” displays the paradox of Christ’s death as a triumphant act. Jesus, as the Lamb of God (John 1:29), defeated sin and death, not by avoiding the cross, but through His willing sacrifice. His death was not a defeat but a fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan, as seen in Colossians 2:15.
“Slain by death, the God of life” speaks to the mystery of the crucifixion, where the Author of life (Acts 3:15) willingly laid down His life, only to rise again. This resurrection was not only a victory over death but a promise of the eternal hope for believers, confirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.
“Christ in power resurrected, as we will be when He comes” reminds Christians that the resurrection is the foundation of their hope. Believers await their own resurrection, as Christ’s victory over death guarantees their future hope (Romans 8:23). The song encapsulates the core of the gospel message, urging Christians to worship in awe of the Savior who condescended to save and promises eternal life.
In contemplating these truths, believers are called to respond with deep worship and unwavering hope in the gospel.
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Come Behold the Wonderous Mystery lyrics and music by Matt Boswell, Matt Papa, and Michael Bleeker, (2013) Public Domain
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