The Wages of Sin

"For the wages of sin is death..." 

– Romans 6:23

[0:00] The second scene, The Wages of Sin, explores the consequences of sin and tells how while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. The sweet highs now have faded, leaving distortion and chaotic drums in their wake, and anticipation builds as we are each dragged before a Judge to settle our outstanding debts. Wallowing in the City of Destruction has a cost, and the time has come to pay it.

[0:54] During the lull following the piece's opening, I imagine Jesus interrupting our trial with a simple proposal, "Take me instead." Wandering instrumental lines and soft, high-pitched percussion mimic the attending assembly, who whisper excitedly about the unprecedented events as the Judge considers.

[1:13] After a long moment, the Judge accepts, and the brutal events leading up to Jesus' crucifixion begin. 

[1:22] At this point in the scene, the focus becomes Jesus as the Suffering Savior and our part in condemning him. The music launches into an all-encompassing, grinding, chugging machine of sound that joins both new and familiar themes. At the climax, tortured sounds and percussion like hammers hitting nails join the orchestra, electric guitars, and male choir. The voices from the choir build like a ritualistic chant, and the shouts realize the well-known hymn lyrics, "Ashamed I hear my mocking voice, cry out among the scoffers."

[1:50] As the energy dissipates, we find Jesus hanging on a cross, with his energy rapidly fading away. The strings enter, and we watch and begin to realize how great the cost of our sin really is. Jesus's energy continues to wane along with the music until the scene finally ends with one final heartbeat before silence. The wages of sin is death.