It was during a difficult time in my life when I first heard the song, “Except for Grace*,” by The Martins. To say it touched my soul would be an understatement. [*written by Jeff Silvey, link below]
Listen to the verses: “1) You’ve lost it all, your dignity and pride. A sinking soul swimm’in in the tears you cried. Alone and hopeless without a word to say, Cause guilt has taken it all away. 2) We’ve all stood right where you’re at, facing the shame of failures and regrets, Leaving us empty, broken and afraid to dream, Cause sin has stripped us clean of everything.”
I have been there. Have you? I have stood before the law of God in that place of failure, regret, and brokenness. I have had sin strip me of everything. I have been hopeless and consumed with guilt. But I met Christ Jesus, and now I sing the chorus!
“Except for grace and our faith, And knowing that God’s love will forgive mistakes. There’s nothing that can clear our painful pasts, Bear our bitter pain, or will ever take our place Except for grace!”
“Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness, for the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” [John 1:16-17 HCSB]
We no longer must stand before the law, sin-filled, hopeless, facing punishment. Grace and truth came to us through Christ Jesus our Savior and LORD. On His cross He cleared our painful pasts, bore our bitter pain and took our place. Glory to His Wonderful Name! Amen
(768) The Martins - Except for Grace/Grace Grater Than Our Sin [Live] - YouTube