They branded the holy as unclean Now they hunt the ones redeemed Cast from the world's deceitful throne Chosen burning but not alone The world can't stand the light I bear It strips the mask, it lays hearts bare They hated him without reason I bear the scars of that treason I'll stand firm till the end of days For the one the world betrays Hated first, I'll carry his flame Through the chaos through the pain The world rejects but cannot tame The name that conquered the grave Hated first and yet I rise Faith unbroken fire in my eyes You can kill the flesh but not the word For the king of kings was hated first You will be hated by all for his name But the faithful endure through storm and flame If they strike at the shepherd, they'll tear at the fold But this heart of stone has turned to gold I've seen the world's contempt unfold Still I won't bend I won't grow cold The world hates me because I testify its works are evil A servant's not greater than his master If they persecuted me, they will persecute you Let the world remember the price of truth Hated first, still I remain Cleansed by blood redeemed by pain The world may hate but cannot claim The soul that calls his name Hated first the darkness cursed But heaven's fire will quench the thirst Stand defiant stand immersed In the love of the one who was hated first If the world hates you remember It hated me first