This evening I was looking through our Living Hymns book and found a new hymn that really blessed me. Thanks be to our wonderful God for the blessed gift of mercy!
It is not thy repentance, Thy sorrow or thy tears,
That brings to thee salvation, or drives away thy fears,
It is the cross of Jesus, the death He there did die,
That wrought out full salvation, for such as you and I.
[i]Chorus
O take the gift of mercy, let grace restore thy soul;
Confess the name of Jesus, Trust Him to make thee whole.
It is not what thou doest, or what is left undone;
Or giving up a habit, by which salvation's won:
Salvation is not winning, 'Tis something to receive,
God's free and gracious off'ring to all who will believe.
[i]chorus
You say, "I read the Bible, in prayer I daily bow";
You say, "Why, I am doing the best that I know how!"
But even were thou perfect, the old sin still remains;
It needs the blood of Jesus, to wash away thy stains.
[i]chorus
Then why not cease thy doing --that way is always wrong--
And yield thy will to Jesus, and join redemption's throng?
Say, "Lord, I take salvation," nor doubt that thou art heard,
For He who dwells in heaven forever keeps His word.
[i]Chorus
O take the gift of mercy, let grace restore thy soul;
Confess the name of Jesus, Trust Him to make thee whole.