God’s grace: that enduring, sacrificial, unearned love from God. Can we ever extol Him enough? Probably not. But let’s try, anyway!
I thought I’d present this old favorite from last century to the believers of today. This song’s simple and pleasant melody gets stuck in your head in a pleasant sort of way.
The words remind us of the grace of our God–a theme we will never tire of celebrating through song! (See Recalled to Life for more about grace demonstrated through one woman’s amazing gift.)
This song includes an invitation to come to Christ, a common feature of evangelistic songs of the day.
The author is Julia Johnston, who lived from 1849-1919. She wrote over 500 hymns(!) and published this one in 1911. Daniel B. Towner (1850 – 1919) wrote the music.
Julia Johnston’s father was a minister, and her mother was a poet. Johnston, who never married, dedicated her life to both of these endeavors. (For some interesting historical background relating to the suffrage movement, and for a treatment of every stanza in the hymn, read this page here.)
“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves;
it is the gift of God,
not by works, so that no one can boast”
Ephesians 2:8-9
Grace, Grace God’s Grace
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?Chorus:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!By Julia H. Johnston, 1910. Copyright Public Domain
Enjoy this song today…why not add it to your own practice of praise? Meanwhile, remind yourself of God’s grace towards you with these verses!
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!”
1 Corinthians 15:56-57 (ESV)
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.Oh, give thanks to the God of gods!
For His mercy endures forever.Oh, give thanks to the Lord of lords!
For His mercy endures forever!”Psalm 136:1-3 (NKJ)
