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 spilt.

Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God's grace,
Grace that is greater than all my sin.

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 avail to wash it away?
Look! there is flowing a crimson tide;
Whiter than snow you may be today.

-- from "Grace That Is Greater Than All Our Sin" by Julia Johnson

"Look!!! There is flowing a crimson tide; whiter than snow you may be today!" Thank You, thank You, thank You! My Refuge, thank You for the promise that "where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Thank You for covering me with Your righteousness. Your grace points me to Your redeeming work on the cross, and "I stand, I stand in awe of You. Holy God to Whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of You!"

I love the line from this wonderful hymn about God's grace that says "Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace -- freely bestowed on all who believe..." I want to meditate on each word.

Marvelous -- can we ever cease to marvel at the wonder of God's grace?
Infinite-- my finite mind can never comprehend the depth of His grace.
Matchless-- nothing, absolutely nothing, compares to the promise I have in His grace. It is by grace that I am saved! Praise the Lord for His grace that is greater than all my sin!!!

Grace in Despair

When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within,
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end of all my sin.
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free.
For God the just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me.
- from "Before the Throne of God Above" by Charitie Bancroft

How many times have I allowed Satan the victory twofold in my life? Not only do I sin, but I also despair when I recall the sin. This song reminds me of the victory that I have in Jesus Christ. Oh, how I need to lift my eyes!!! Look upward; see Christ's sacrifice! Because of Him, my soul is pardoned. What a blessed thought!