Only by grace can we enter

Authors:
Themes:
Scriptures:
  • Leviticus 14:13
  • Psalms 130:3
  • John 6:44
  • Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Hebrews 10:19-22
  • 1 John 1:7-9
  • Revelation 5:9-12
  • Revelation 12:11
Book Number:
  • 785

Only by grace can we enter,
only by grace can we stand;
not by our human endeavour
but by the blood of the Lamb.
Into your presence you call us,
you call us to come,
into your presence you draw us
and now by your grace we come,
now by your grace we come.

Lord if you mark our transgressions
who will stand?
Thanks to your grace we are cleansed
by the blood of the Lamb.

(Repeat chorus)

Only by grace can we enter,
only by grace can we stand;
not by our human endeavour
but by the blood of the Lamb.
Into your presence you call us,
you call us to come,
into your presence you draw us
and now by your grace we come,
now by your grace we come.

© 1990 Integrity's Hosanna! Music/Adm. by kingswaysongs
Gerrit Gustafson

The Christian Life - Assurance and Hope

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Tune

The story behind the hymn

‘Sola gratia—by grace alone’ was a watchword from the Reformation, partnering ‘Sola fide—by faith alone’ and reflecting the Reformers’ understanding of the doctrine, not just of individual texts like Romans 4:16 and Ephesians 2:8 but the whole NT gospel of God’s undeserved love and forgiveness in Christ. Let’s Praise 2 (1994) seems to have been the first British book to include Gerrit Gustafson’s best known song (copyright 1989) which links its main theme with Psalm 130:3. He also composed the tune ONLY BY GRACE; one in which it is important to know when to stop, and to stop together! It proved popular at Spring Harvest, in whose songbooks it featured for several years, and is included in the 1996 Hymns Old and New and Sing Glory (1999).

A look at the author

Gustafson, Gerrit

b USA. A church-planting pastor-teacher from c1970, he joined the Creative Team of Integrity Worship in 1985, which involved him in a world-wide musical and teaching ministry. Later he pioneered his own organisation ‘Wholehearted Worship’, from which he leads One-Day Worship Schools and continues to produce songs, songbooks and recordings. His best-known song was a ‘Spring Harvest’ favourite in the 1990s; also included in 2 Jubilate books. He has also written The Adventure of Worship, and currently lives nr Nashville, Tennessee. No.785.