Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Marvelous Grace

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord, Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt! Yonder on Calvary's mount out poured Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.

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!

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.

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!


Maybe you know this old hymn as well. One of my small groups is studying Romans. Romans 5:20 reads, "...but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more" (NRSV). The hymn above often times comes to mind when I read the verse.

Grace is a wonderful thing. A simple definition is often "unmerited favor." But if honesty prevails, we often provide ourselves with more grace than the grace we offer others. In other words, "My sins are covered by the blood of Jesus. But that sinner over there - do you know what they've done?" Quickly we become religious Pharisees.

We know Paul writes "grace abounds". But do we really believe it? Do we create an imaginary "boundary" where grace is no longer offered? Thankfully, God never does. Grace abounds. And it's marvelous!

Anything you want to add/subtract/modify?

2 comments:

Cheryl Russell said...

I love the theology in that song. I'm so thankful for God's Grace. I love the language that is used to describe it, overflowing, poured out, lavished on. So, encouraging, especially since I need that Grace every day. I appreciate when people are real and genuine about their discipleship struggles, if we don't need grace, we can't teach it, and we can't share it. This is something that Tim and I are really trying to demonstrate to our kids. Daddy and Mommy makes lots of mistakes, and need God's Grace a lot!

Thanks for this great post!

Crowm said...

Cheryl,

God's grace is definitely unmatched. I really like the idea of sharing your struggles and God's grace with the kids. Although they may not be able to "define" the genuineness now, they appreciate it as well.

BTW, thanks for the tip on the Turkey.