Lyrics
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.
Refrain
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin.
Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.
Dark is the stain that we cannot hide.
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Marvelous Grace sets human sin beside the abundant grace of God revealed at the cross. Each verse develops that contrast: guilt meets pardon, despair meets refuge, and an ineradicable stain meets cleansing. Calvary and the blood of the Lamb remain central, so grace is presented not as vague kindness but as God’s answer to sin through Christ. The refrain gathers these themes into a simple confession that divine grace exceeds every failure.
The hymn’s images closely follow biblical language. Its claim that grace is greater than sin recalls Paul’s teaching that grace abounds where sin increases. The crimson stain becoming brighter than snow evokes the promise of cleansing in Isaiah, while pardon through blood aligns with New Testament descriptions of redemption in Christ. The final verse moves from explanation to invitation, stressing that this grace is freely bestowed on those who believe. Across its verses, the song holds together an honest account of guilt and a confident declaration that forgiveness and cleansing are available through the saving work of Christ.
Related Scripture
- Romans 5:20 Paul teaches that where sin increased, grace abounded all the more.
- Ephesians 1:7 Redemption and forgiveness are described as coming through the blood of Christ and the riches of grace.
- Isaiah 1:18 Isaiah contrasts scarlet sin with cleansing that makes it white as snow.