Part 4: Grace Greater Than Our Sin

This Edition of Behind the Song introduces a new song to many of you and a old favorite to many others: Grace Greater Than Our Sin. I have a personal connection to this song as I spent many a Sunday morning and evening singing this hymn with my parents and congregation in the church I grew up in. Written by Julia Hariette Johnston this great hymn so reminds me of Romans 5:20-21 which states, “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” God’s grace is not just a sufficient grace, it is an abounding grace!

Julia Johnston was a writer of Sunday school curriculum and hymn texts for the First Presbyterian Church of Peoria, Illinois and the David C. Cook Publishing Company. She wrote approximately 500 hymn texts but is best known for this great hymn which first appeared in a compilation of hymns by Daniel B. Towner in 1911. The hymn is all about “grace, grace, God’s grace” and it’s amazing work in the salvation of the believer. It must also be noted how the 4 stanzas of this song build the story of the Gospel: Stanza 1 talks of how God’s grace sent Jesus to atone for our sins; Stanza 2 tells of God’s grace pointing us to the mighty Cross of Calvary; Stanza 3 tells how God’s grace enables us to be washed white as snow; and Stanza 4 tells us that God’s grace will someday allow us to see His face. In total this great song encourages us to remember that they main issue with the world is not economic, or political, or social – it is spiritual! The only answer to the problem of sin and our spiritual need is found in God’s Grace Greater Than Our Sin! I hope you enjoy this song this week and better understand the amazing Grace bestowed on us!

(Refrain)

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.

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.

Refrain

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.

Refrain

Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can avail to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.

Refrain

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?

Refrain

 

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