Debtor To Mercy Alone

Denise and I are doing the offertory at church tomorrow – she’s playing, I’m singing.  The song we’re doing is one of my favorite texts, and I referenced it in an earlier post.  The words were written by Augustus Toplady in the late 1700’s – 1771 to be exact.  The tune is by Bob Kauflin, and we first heard it done by Glad, and then on the Sovereign Grace Music CD Upward.  The words are amazing, and the tune haunting.

A debtor to mercy alone,
of covenant mercy I sing.
I come with your righteousness on,
my humble off’ring to bring.
The judgements 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.

Augustus M Toplady (1771) and  Bob Kauflin (1998)