East To West by Casting Crowns

Album: The Altar and the Door (2007)

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In this song Casting Crowns tackle the all-too-familiar skepticism with which we humans embrace forgiveness. Frontman Mark Hall explained on his record label's website: "We have a hard time with the concept of forgiveness. We cut ourselves and it heals, but the scar remains. Sometimes we think God treats sin like we would if we were God, and that he handles forgiveness like we would. We know he forgives, but we can't accept that God chooses to forget and relinquishes his right to avenge."
The song title comes from a verse in Psalm 103, which reads: "As far as the east is from the west, so far he removed our transgressions from us."
This won the "Song of the Year" at the 2008 GMA Dove Awards.

Comments: 5

Amber from Baton Rouge, LaFreedom. Freedom from self! Amen brothers and sisters of the Casting Crowns, amen!
Amber from Baton Rouge, LaI have been singing this song for a long time now ... and I realized tonight, I'm asking God to help me understand what that--show me how far the east is from the west, means. I've been asking that! Ever since I heard the song! To myself, to God always from in my car.
Finally, I made an effort tonight I've NEVER made --looking it up. Thank YOU Lord for this phone --thank you Lord.
FORGIVENESS .. Hopefully my concept of the meaning will be broadened. The Casting Crowns have an amazing, in-depth understanding as a whole of how God sees .. singing their song so harmoniously.
Thanks guys.
Smiley Face!
Stephanie from Dallas, TxI worry a lot about the spiritual consequences of the mistakes I make. Even though I know God has forgiven me, Satan still uses them to get back at me. This song has really helped me deal with letting them go. It's a work in progress, but it helps.
Aless from Houston, TxI listen to this song whenever I'm down on myself for the mistakes I've made in the past. It's such a great song... A definite listen-to for anyone struggling with themselves
Jon from Decatur, GaI love this song! Everytime I listen to it, it makes me want to cry.

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