It’s Your Grace – The Acoustic Sessions

A few weeks ago we posted the first song from “The Acoustic Sessions,” Our Only Hope is You. These are going to be stripped down versions of songs we’ve recorded on Sovereign Grace albums.

We’re starting with songs from Grace Has Come, our latest release, but plan on going back to other albums and recording arrangements that are easier for a smaller church, or any church for that matter, to adapt.

In this video, Devon, McKenzie, and Jonatan offer a simpler version of the song, It’s Your Grace.

I wrote this song with Doug Plank, a good friend and a pastor at Crossway Church of Lancaster, PA. Right before he left for a two week trip to Africa, Doug sent me an idea for a song based on Romans 9-11. It began, “You will save whom You will save.” Not your typical start to a worship song. But I was drawn to the idea of writing a song that explored the topic of election in a way that resulted in humility, hope, and praise. While Doug was away, I filled out the ideas he had sent me, and when he came back we had a song.

God’s sovereignty in salvation is a belief held by Sovereign Grace Churches, and anyone who subscribes to what is at different times referred to as the doctrines of grace, Calvinism, election, or Reformed theology. Unfortunately, it’s a doctrine that has often been caricatured, misunderstood, maligned, or demonized. My goal in writing this song with Doug was to lead us to the same place that Paul arrives at: self-abasing, God-glorifying, awe-filled praise:

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?” For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Rom. 11:33-36)

I don’t think It’s Your Grace will get much airtime in churches that think Reformed theology is unbiblical. But whether someone believes in the doctrine of election or not, God’s gracious and glorious activity in the salvation of sinners will be at the center of our worship for all eternity.

And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” (Rev. 5:9-10)

And I’m grateful that all Christians can rejoice in this truth together: God will rescue anyone who calls upon his name.

VERSE 1
You will save whom You will save
We’re the lost and helpless ones
The rebels and the renegades
Who spurned Your holy love
You will save whom You will save
Mercy will be magnified
Everyone has gone astray
And followed after lies
But You have loved us and opened our eyes

CHORUS
It’s Your grace
From beginning to the end
It’s Your grace
We will never comprehend
Why You drew the ones who ran from You
What can we do but offer You praise?

VERSE 2
You will save whom You will save
We were captive to our wills
And if our hearts had not been changed
We’d flee Your mercy still
You will save whom You will save
Who can question what You do?
You’re the potter, we’re the clay
You can make us as You choose
And there is no one who boasts before You

VERSE 3
You will save whom You will save
Yet the promised hope remains
You will rescue anyone
Who calls upon Your name
You will save whom You will save
Faithful love won’t be denied
Christ has overcome the grave
And for our sins He died
And when He comes back His glory will shine
© 2013 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)/Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)

Chord charts, lead sheets, and piano scores are available at the Sovereign Grace Music website.

And if you’re interested in studying more about God’s sovereignty in salvation, Sam Storms’ Chosen for Life is a great place to start.

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5 Responses to It’s Your Grace – The Acoustic Sessions

  1. Julie Pizzino October 21, 2013 at 1:11 PM #

    Our pastor is preaching the book of Romans, and we are learning this song as a church. Thank you for this beautiful expression of God’s sovereignty in salvation.

  2. barry joslin October 22, 2013 at 10:49 AM #

    Love these versions, Bob! Thanks for the ones from “From Age to Age” as well.

    This past Sunday, a few of us at our church were leading “By This We Know Love,” one of my all-time favs. We were all saying how much we love that song and its content, but so many people have never heard since since it’s not been on any “major” release from y’all. Zelos’ Next 2009 Live with Judah G leading it is the only place I’ve heard it. What a great song, and that opening acoustic “riff” is one of the most fun (in the right sense!) things to play. It’s been played so many times at my house that my wife knows it!

    Anyhow, I’m sure you’ve got all the songs chosen, and I can’t imagine how hard it was to narrow that down since there are so many that would be great for “Sessions.” Just wanted you to know that there is always one more! Such a great collection.

    barry

  3. John W October 25, 2013 at 4:56 PM #

    Wow, sounds great!!!

  4. Jacob November 4, 2013 at 12:28 PM #

    some good lyrics! thank you.

  5. sermonindex March 11, 2015 at 12:08 AM #

    Appreciate lyrics that are deeper then the normal contemporary song.

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