I haven't been writing blogs in a while because I've been spending more time songwriting. But let me tell you a story about how one of my recent songs developed.
My wife and I decided to read through the book of John together using the English Standard Version of the Bible. Each morning we would sit down and take turns reading out loud. We took our time, sometimes reading just a few paragraphs each day. As we started out in chapter one, a phrase jumped out at me when we read verse sixteen. It was the words "grace upon grace". Here's the verse in its entirety.
My wife and I decided to read through the book of John together using the English Standard Version of the Bible. Each morning we would sit down and take turns reading out loud. We took our time, sometimes reading just a few paragraphs each day. As we started out in chapter one, a phrase jumped out at me when we read verse sixteen. It was the words "grace upon grace". Here's the verse in its entirety.
"For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace." (John 1:16 ESV)
When I saw the words "grace upon grace", it made me visualize God continually pouring grace on top of grace on top of grace on me, like a waterfall. What a great expression, grace upon grace! That's what we receive from God -- abundant, unending grace.
What is grace? Probably the most common definition is the one taught in many Sunday school classes. Grace is getting what we don't deserve. And that's the point. Because of our sins, we don't deserve God's gift -- His offer of forgiveness through Jesus.
"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)
"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)
I've realized that grace is not just a one time thing. God is a God of grace. It's who He is. And continually pours His grace upon us who believe. This thought, as pointed out in John 1:16, prompted me to write a song called "Grace Upon Grace". Below are the lyrics.
"How can I explain the wondrous love of God
that pursues me even though I'm so underserving of.
I cannot comprehend the mercy shown to me,
the love that is so wide, so high, so long, so deep.
Grace upon Grace, love upon love.
You pour it over me, just like a waterfall.
I don't deserve a thing
Yet Your blessings still flow
Grace upon Grace upon Grace
How can I express the fullness of my heart
The gratitude I have, I surrender all my heart
I cannot understand dying on a cross
for the guilt of all my sins, through the nails You took it all
Grace upon Grace, love upon love.
You pour it over me, just like a waterfall.
I don't deserve a thing
Yet Your blessings still flow
Grace upon Grace upon Grace
It's all I want, it's all I need -- the love You proved You have for me
It's all I want, it's all I need -- the joy, the peace, You've given me
You're all I want, You're all I need
I worship You and fall down on my knees
Grace upon Grace, love upon love.
You pour it over me, just like a waterfall.
I don't deserve a thing
Yet Your blessings still flow
Grace upon Grace
Grace upon Grace
Grace upon Grace upon Grace
Grace upon Grace upon Grace."
