I give credit to CC for the title, but I could not think of a better label for the effect of a certain song in my life. (btw, the previous quote cannot be taken out-of-context in order to argue that all music has "effect" on all people!)
Before I get hung up there, "A Debtor to Mercy" (Toplady/Kauflin, SovGrace) has had an enormous impact on me, not for its musical beauty, but rather the words of the song which the music paints effectively. I guess the aspect of this song that causes my spirit to rejoice is the fact that there were things I needed, which I could not earn or gain for myself. Yet, through Jesus, I have all those things. (the righteousness of God, the forgiveness of my sins, God's unending mercy, the promise and evidences of eternal life.) This song causes me to praise God. I curse the day when the message of this song affects no change in my cold, depraved heart.
Here are the lyrics. I hope this can be your 'Lifesong' as well. (the title is not used to be 'catchy')
A debtor to mercy alone
Of covenant mercy I sing
I come with Your righteousness on
My humble offering to bring
The judgments of Your holy law
With me can have nothing to do
My Savior’s obedience and blood
Hide all my transgressions
From view.
The work which Your goodness began
The arm of Your strength will complete.
Your promise is yes and amen,
And never was forfeited yet.
The future or things that are now,
No power below or above
Can make You Your purpose forego,
Or sever my soul from
Your love!
My name from the palms of Your hands
Eternity will not erase.
Impressed on Your heart it remains
In marks of indelible grace.
Yes I, to the end will endure
Until I bow down at Your throne.
Forever and always secure,
A debtor to mercy alone.
Before I get hung up there, "A Debtor to Mercy" (Toplady/Kauflin, SovGrace) has had an enormous impact on me, not for its musical beauty, but rather the words of the song which the music paints effectively. I guess the aspect of this song that causes my spirit to rejoice is the fact that there were things I needed, which I could not earn or gain for myself. Yet, through Jesus, I have all those things. (the righteousness of God, the forgiveness of my sins, God's unending mercy, the promise and evidences of eternal life.) This song causes me to praise God. I curse the day when the message of this song affects no change in my cold, depraved heart.
Here are the lyrics. I hope this can be your 'Lifesong' as well. (the title is not used to be 'catchy')
A debtor to mercy alone
Of covenant mercy I sing
I come with Your righteousness on
My humble offering to bring
The judgments of Your holy law
With me can have nothing to do
My Savior’s obedience and blood
Hide all my transgressions
From view.
The work which Your goodness began
The arm of Your strength will complete.
Your promise is yes and amen,
And never was forfeited yet.
The future or things that are now,
No power below or above
Can make You Your purpose forego,
Or sever my soul from
Your love!
My name from the palms of Your hands
Eternity will not erase.
Impressed on Your heart it remains
In marks of indelible grace.
Yes I, to the end will endure
Until I bow down at Your throne.
Forever and always secure,
A debtor to mercy alone.