Day 22: Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord

Many years ago, when Grace was just a toddler, we sang this hymn in church. I don't remember if it was Marc holding her while we sang or if it was me, but after church several people who had been sitting behind us just had to tell us about Grace's amazement as the entire church sang, "Grace, grace, God's grace!" Since she was likely propped up over a shoulder we didn't see any of this, but apparently her face lit up every time her name was sung.

While she didn't understand the difference between her name and the amazing GRACE we were really singing about, we should all have the same reaction when reflecting upon God's grace.

"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."

Romans 5:20-21

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God -- not by works, so that no one can boast."

Ephesians 2:8-9

Marvelous Grace of Our Loving Lord
alt. title: Grace Greater Than Our Sin
Julia H. Johnston, 1910

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.

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.

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.