Fallen From Lofty Heights
Humanity's foolish choice to be separated from God. The curse of sin and it's consequences are unleashed upon all generations to come. Man is forever tainted by his rebellion... unless a Savior can step-in and provide a way out.
God's Word presented in song and verse.
in those quiet times spent alone with Him and in His Word. After nine years composing, arranging and recording... The Alpha & Omega Suite was finished at the end of 2008 and is ready for distribution in 2009! The Suite consists of thirty five parts which span two hours and forty minutes. This inspired music praises God and His Word; introduces His laws; His doctrines; His decrees; His covenants; and His grace to those who may never be exposed to His written Word otherwise. No glory, honor, or prestige is given to this earthly vessel, only to the One Who deserves it and is worthy of it!
Story behind the song
"I believe all people are basically good." Statements such as this are common and held by the majority of people... especially by those who have had few negative experiences happen to them. If this viewpoint is correct, or even reasonable, then it should be verified by a society's laws, by history, by relationships, by religious instructions and by child-rearing expectations. Unfortunately in none of these areas does a portrait of a 'basically good' person emerge. If anything, the picture is alarmingly quite the opposite!
When a society sets up a law, it is imposing a set of limitations to keep individuals away from excessive or harmful actions. Without laws set in place, our true nature is free to shine brighter and become much more clear. Instead of highlighting our good side, having no laws reveals just how sinful we can be. History showcases many societies which died-out after allowing lawlessness and depravity to reign. Even today, the nation which has the lowest crime rate in the world, holds that honor because it has made most wrongs, or sins, legal... not because it's citizens are nicer than the rest of us! We are full of sin and laws are a necessity to protect us from our self!
Modern society enforces laws pertinent to current conditions and situations. Highway laws keep accidents from happening more frequently and prevent 'road rage' from becoming the norm. Without the fear of law's punishment, thievery of every type would increase. Murder, rape and exploitation would become far more commonplace. The true implications of 'survival of the fittest' would be evident in all areas. Remove our laws of protection and those 'less fit' would be abused and trampled down in no time!
History attests to man's inhumanity to one another. War, bloodshed, feuds, strife and jealousy have continuously separated one people group from another. Even in times of peace, humanity just barely refrains from raging and battling against others. We tend to naturally dislike and mistrust people who are different from our self. Language barriers; dialects; skin color; culture; education; regional and community idioms, family background. These are just a few of the many characteristics which separate us... and cause us irritation!
Numerous people can only attain peaceful relationships by avoiding contact with any or all neighbors that irritate or bother them and by doing so, they might avoid confrontation and relationship turmoil. But this doesn't mean they are a 'good person'... it only indicates they have sidestepped acting worse than they really are capable of!
Any parent, teacher or child-rearer understands the simple truth that children must be taught how to act good. Being bad doesn't have to be taught to a child... they naturally know how to tell lies; take things that aren't theirs; hurt other children; and spit venomous words meant to harm! Even people who don't agree with this statement believe that adults who do bad things, do so because they weren't taught better as children. Quite simply, we are not born as 'basically good' people!
The Bible is quite clear about all aspects of our condition. It sheds light on humanity's fallen nature throughout the ages... both before and after recorded history. We are given specific details surrounding the who, what, where and why regarding how we came to have this inborn predicament. We see that our sinfulness is more than just being self centered, culminating in manifesting little regard for others. We are enlightened in just how far all aspects of our being are permeated with sin. And this sin naturally separates us from a righteous, just and holy God.
It is in our relationship with God that our sin really shows itself. It cuts us off from the fellowship we were originally created to have with Jehovah. It keeps us from obeying His laws and decrees! No matter how hard we try, we still aren't able to cross the divide which separates us from Him. His holiness and righteousness are
Lyrics
(Verse One: Introducing Man)
There once lived a man. Had his story told, in the book of Moses.
Together with his wife. Made their home in Paradise, among the roses.
Sustained by the hands of God. Enriched with golden sod. The Garden grows.
Beauty all around. Fashioned from the ground. The River flows.
(Verse Two: Introducing Sin)
Still they longed for more. Craving what was not their own. Sprouting from a tree.
Believed the serpent's lies. That eating fruit would open their eyes. To become a diety.
Aware of their naked state. Hiding, but too late. Covering with a leaf.
Separation took place. Affects our entire race. The cause of grief.
(Transition)
Death unleashed, not contained. Lost so much, nothing gained. Free to sin, flesh is stained.
(Anthem: Guilt Acknowledged)
Look at us, can't you see; we were raised up to lofty heights where we did dwell.
But we plummeted so low when we fell.
In a flash, we turned our back. How easily we were deceived.
We welcomed sin. The accuser's lie we received.
How quickly our future dashed upon the rocks below.
We are children of their wicked ways, you know.
Why? We might ask. We had all things within our grasp.
All good things can never last. So down to hell our soul was cast!
(Transition)
Now we are: So arrogant, So haughty, So vainly confident, So full of self. We will not repent.
(Verse Three: Murder & Violence Increase)
Living under the curse. Adam's son only made things worse. And set the stage.
His hand did strike the blow. Caused a brother's pure blood to flow. Burning with heated rage.
Violence increased with pride. A flood did slow the tide. Finished the golden age.
Put our self on a pedestal. Built the Tower of Babel. Turned another page.
(Verse Four: Sin Through the Ages)
Poor man's lamb we stole. Yet we had so much power, wealth and gold. Taking all we could.
Lied to the Holy Ghost. Gave to God but for us kept the most. Didn't do what we should.
By our hand we killed the prophets. Knew the truth but tried to stop it. Love misunderstood.
With betrayal our guilt increases. Messiah sold for thirty pieces. On a cross of wood.
(Anthem: Our Predicament)
Got up off the ground. Took an awkward look around. Things no longer appeared the same.
The road which had been clear. Blurred into conflicting lanes.
Each road branched off many different ways. Paths leading home, so they claimed.
But we gave it all away. Freely given to that man of shame.
(Ending)
We're doomed to live in ignorance. Eyes wide open but cannot see.
Ears which hear but deafly blocked. Knowing there must be something more.
Thinking we're good 'cause our standard is not the Lords?.
Oh, our ways are not the Lords?!
