A Debtor to Mercy Alone – Hymn Lyric
A Debtor to Mercy Alone: A Hymn of Gratitude and Assurance In the hymn “A Debtor to Mercy Alone,” the writer expresses deep gratitude for God’s covenant mercy and emphasizes that salvation is not based on personal righteousness but on God’s immense mercy. The hymn beautifully showcases the believer’s assurance in God’s unending love and highlights the unbreakable bond between the soul and its Savior. It serves as a comforting reminder of the security and endurance provided by God’s unwavering love.
Table of Contents
A Debtor to Mercy Alone
A debtor to mercy alone,
Of covenant mercy I sing,
Nor fear, with God’s righteousness on,
My person and off’rings to bring.
The terrors of law and of God
With me can have nothing to do;
My Savior’s obedience and blood
Hide all my transgressions from view.
The work which His goodness began,
The arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is Yea and Amen,
And never was forfeited yet.
Things future, nor things that are now,
Not all things below or above,
Can make Him His purpose forego,
Or sever my soul from His love.
My name from the palms of His hands
Eternity will not erase;
Imprest on His heart, it remains
In marks of indelible grace.
Yes! I to the end shall endure,
As sure as the earnest is giv’n;
More happy, but not more secure,
When all earthly ties have been riv’n.
Meaning of A Debtor to Mercy Alone – Hymn Lyric
A Debtor to Mercy Alone: The Assurance of God’s Unending Love
In this hymn, titled “A Debtor to Mercy Alone,” the writer expresses a profound gratitude for the covenant mercy of God. They emphasize that their salvation is not based on their own righteousness but on the immense mercy shown by God. The hymn beautifully showcases the believer’s assurance in God’s love, highlighting the unbreakable bond between the soul and its Savior.
The verse begins by acknowledging that the singer is a debtor to mercy alone. They understand that it is not their own goodness or works that bring them salvation but the divine mercy of God. This realization eliminates any fear that may arise from the demands of God’s righteousness. The individual recognizes that their sins are hidden from view by the obedience and blood of their Savior.
The hymn then explores the nature of God’s mercy. It speaks of the completeness and certainty of His work. The goodness God has begun will be completed by the strength of His arm. The promise of God is unchanging, always “Yea and Amen.” It has never been forfeited. This steadfastness brings comfort and assurance to the believer, knowing that God’s purpose for their life will never be abandoned.
The writer further expresses confidence in God’s unwavering love. They proclaim that neither future events nor present circumstances can make Him forsake His purpose or separate the soul from His love. This reassurance can provide great comfort to anyone facing challenges or uncertainties. It serves as a reminder that God’s love is unchanging and constant, even in the midst of life’s trials.
The hymn beautifully depicts the relationship between God and the believer. The writer describes their name as inscribed on the palms of God’s hands, ensuring that it will never be erased. This imagery highlights the everlasting nature of God’s love and the eternal significance of the believer’s identity to Him. Their name is also impressed on His heart, a mark of indelible grace. This symbolizes the deep connection and personal investment that God has in each individual.
The hymn concludes with a joyful proclamation of endurance. The singer declares that they will continue to endure till the end. This endurance is grounded in the assurance provided by the earnest given by God. The earnest, in this context, refers to a guarantee or down payment. Just as a down payment assures the completion of a transaction, the believer’s earnest from God assures their ultimate salvation. This assurance brings not just happiness but also security.
The hymn acknowledges that earthly ties will eventually be severed, emphasizing the temporary nature of the world we live in. However, the believer’s security in God’s love surpasses any earthly attachments. It is a security that remains intact even when faced with the transient nature of life.
In summary, “A Debtor to Mercy Alone” is a hymn that beautifully expresses the gratitude and assurance of a believer in God’s love. It emphasizes that salvation is not earned through personal righteousness but is purely a result of God’s mercy. The hymn highlights the unchanging nature of God’s promises, the indelible grace imprinted on the believer’s heart, and the unbreakable bond between the soul and its Savior. It serves as a comforting reminder of the security and endurance provided by God’s unwavering love.
I hope this hymn inspired image brings you hope and peace. Share it with someone who needs it today!
