Death Was Arrested

I’ve always found the stories behind songs fascinating. While preparing for worship, I discovered a video about “the song Death Was Arrested by North Point Worship. It was written by Adam Kersh, Brandon Coker, Heath Balltzglier, and Paul Taylor Smith while at youth camp.

Shortly before the camp, Brandon Coker had been visiting his uncle in St. Marys, Georgia. While there, he explored a historic cemetery in the downtown area. One tombstone in particular caught his attention—a giant marker for Samuel Burr. The inscription read:

Here rests what was mortal of Samuel Burr, age 42. In search of health far from his endeared home, death arrested his progress on the 2nd of April 1831. Quietly he fell asleep in the Christian hope of immortality and glory forever.”

Tombstone of Samuel Burr, St. Mary’s, GA

The phrase “death arrested his progress” stayed with Coker. He kept reflecting on how, through the work of Jesus on the cross, we have hope. Physical death no longer has the final word. As believers, we cling to the promise of eternal life. The song beautifully captures this hope.

Death Was Arrested
by Adam Kersh, Brandon Coker, Heath Balltzglier, and Paul Taylor Smith

Verse 1
Alone in my sorrow and dead in my sin; Lost without hope with no place to begin
Your love made a way to let mercy come in; When death was arrested and my life began

Verse 2
Ash was redeemed only beauty remains; My orphan heart was given a name
My mourning grew quiet my feet rose to dance; When death was arrested and my life began

Chorus
Oh, Your grace so free washes over me; You have made me new, now life begins with You
It’s Your endless love pouring down on us; You have made us new, now life begins with You

Verse 3
Released from my chains, I’m a pris'ner no more; My shame was a ransom He faithfully bore
He cancelled my debt and He called me His friend; When death was arrested and my life began

Verse 4
Our Savior displayed on a criminal's cross; Darkness rejoiced as though Heaven had lost
But then Jesus arose with our freedom in hand that's when death was arrested and my life began

Bridge
Oh, we’re free, free, forever we’re free; Come join the song of all the redeemed
Yes, we’re free, free, forever amen;  When death was arrested and my life began

May this song remind you that through Christ, death has been defeated, and we have the promise of life eternal.