Take Up Your Cross

Ashes breathe beneath the steel sky
The call resounds: follow me or die
Bury the self that fed on dust
Break the mirror of mortal lust

I saw the world's false crown decay
Now I bleed the narrow way
He said: Take up your cross and come
No mercy left beneath the sun

Lose your life, ignite the grave
Through death the soul is unafraid
The flesh will fall, the spirit reigns
Christ the King, forever slain, forever raised

Tempted by thrones of rust and bone
I walk their halls alone
But the serpent's crown turned black and flame
Now I fight beneath His name

What gain is the world when your soul lies lost?
Every wound I bear is proof that surrender breaks the frost

Take up your cross!
Bleed the night, redeem the dawn
Take up your cross!
The war for your soul is already won

Lose your life, ignite the grave
Through blood, we rise, through fire we're saved
Crowned in scars, enthroned in pain
Christ is King, eternal reign

No kingdom stands but His alone
All hail the crimson throne