Red Street Records artist Cade Thompson has quickly established himself as one of Christian music's most promising young voices. Through albums like Bigger Story and Empty Room, Cade has consistently delivered faith-filled songs marked by honest vulnerability, biblical truth, and memorable melodies. Standout tracks such as "Provider," "Every Step of the Way," "Empty Room," "Arms of Jesus," "Tears," and "Good God" showcase his ability to point listeners back to God's faithfulness, grace, and unfailing love.
What I appreciate most about Cade's music is its balance of authenticity and hope. His songs acknowledge our struggles while continually reminding us of God's mercy—a gift we could never earn but freely receive through Christ. That message is front and center in his uplifting single, "That's What the Cross Is For," which celebrates the power of Jesus' sacrifice and the freedom found in His grace.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Cade about the inspiration behind the song, the message he hopes listeners take away, and why the cross remains at the center of everything he writes.
Please tell me the personal story behind this song.
I was sitting in an airport listening to someone share their story and the weight of their past. At one point, they said, "That’s what the cross is for," and that phrase just stayed with me. It became the heartbeat of "That's What the Cross Is For"—a reminder that because of Jesus, our shame doesn’t get the final word.
Which Bible verses connect to the message of the song?
Psalm 91:2 (NKJV): "I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust."
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV): “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.”
Philippians 1:21 (NIV): "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Matthew 11:28 (NIV): "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
John 8:36 (NIV): "So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
Romans 8:31 (NIV): "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
John 1:12 (NIV): "Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God."
1 John 3:18 (VOICE): My little children, don't just talk about love as an idea or a theory. Make it your true way of life, and live in the pattern of gracious love.
Ephesians 2:1 (NKJV): "And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins."
What is the takeaway message?
This song is focused on the hope, forgiveness, and redemption found in Jesus’ sacrifice. It highlights that the cross covers our darkness, brokenness, and heaviest burdens, reminding us that we are always covered, loved, and chosen.
Lyrics
Do you have a list of regrets? This longer than it’s ever been? And you’re starting to shake Under the weight of all your sin
Does your heart feel stuck in the past? Spend all of your life looking back? Lies feel like truth And you wonder if you can start again
That’s what the cross is for Chasing the darkness away Breaking the bondage of shame Raising new life from the grave That’s what the cross is for If you’re held down by yesterdays And you wonder how Jesus can save The person who you were before That’s what the cross is for
Both of the nails in His hands Are proof of a Savior who can Turn in your story from ashes to glory Again and again
That’s what the cross is for Chasing the darkness away Breaking the bondage of shame Raising new life from the grave That’s what the cross is for If you’re held down by yesterdays And you wonder how Jesus can save The person who you were before That’s what the cross is for
For everyone, for all of time The precious blood of Jesus Christ He paid it all, what a sacrifice The precious blood of Jesus Christ Bringing us new life That’s what the cross is for
Chasing the darkness away Breaking the bondage of shame Raising new life from the grave That’s what the cross is for If you’re held down by yesterdays And you wonder how Jesus can save The person who you were before That’s what the cross is for
That’s what the cross is for That’s what the cross is for I’m not who I was before That’s what the cross is for
Closing Thoughts
I appreciate how prayers and songs of praise serve as shared communal experiences that we can all participate in. I believe the Lord desires us to yearn for heaven and seek a relationship with Him. When the Holy Spirit dwells within us, we develop a personal connection with the comforter and gain a peace that surpasses understanding, reassuring us that this fallen world isn't our ultimate purpose.
As His sons and daughters, we should carry God's love with us wherever we go, knowing it accompanies us. I often reflect on and sing this song to God, and it always brings me comfort.
"That’s What the Cross is for" tells us that the solution is Jesus. The one ordained and anointed by God for our salvation. He is the only one who can save us. The only one who can turn our broken dreams into testimonies of joy.
The Good News of the Gospel, which this song portrays, is that God accepts us—no matter what we've done or what we’re going through. In many areas of our lives, we also spend a lot of time worrying. We need to let that go and allow the Lord to be our redeemer.
God is not abstract or a figment of our imagination; He’s real. He came to earth as Jesus and suffered and died for us. He took our sins and was sacrificed as a spotless Lamb so that we can have eternal life. This is a great song to sing to our savior, Jesus. Thank Him for coming to die on our behalf so that people who put their hope and trust in Him as their blameless substitute can be saved. That’s what the cross is for.
Known for his powerful, hope-filled messages, Cade has delivered yet another uplifting track that shares the hope of Jesus Christ, reminding listeners that He holds the answer to our darkness, our brokenness, and our struggles.
The chorus goes, "That’s what the cross is for / Chasing the darkness away / Breaking the bondage of shame / Raising new life from the grave / That’s what the cross is for / If you’re held down by your yesterday’s / And you wonder how Jesus can save / The person who you were before / That’s what the cross is for." Amen to that.
NRT lead contributor Kevin Davis is a passionate enthusiast and dedicated collector of Christian music. He believes the message of Christian music has deepened his understanding of Christ.
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