Gaither Vocal Band - I Then Shall Live Lyrics
Lyrics
I then shall live as one who’s been forgiven;
I’ll walk with joy to know my debts are paid.
I know my name is clear before my Father;
I am His child, and I am not afraid.
So greatly pardoned, I’ll forgive my brother,
The law of love I gladly will obey.
I then shall live as one who’s learned compassion;
I’ve been so loved that I’ll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I’ll dare to see another’s point of view.
And when relationship demand commitment,
Then I’ll be there to care and follow through.
Your kingdom come around and through and in me;
Your power and glory, let them shine through me;
Your Hallowed name, O may I bear with honor,
And may You living Kingdom come in me.
The Bread of Life, O may I share with honor,
And may You feed a hungry world through me.
Amen. Amen. Amen.
Video
Gaither Vocal Band, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound - I Then Shall Live (Live)
Meaning & Inspiration
"I Then Shall Live," a cornerstone of the Gaither Vocal Band's 2003 release *A Cappella*, is not merely a song but a profound declaration of a life transformed by divine grace. Its narrative unfolds not through complex melodies or intricate arrangements, but through the stark, unadorned power of the human voice, allowing the lyrical message to resonate with an unvarnished clarity that is both humbling and exhilarating. The song’s genesis, deeply rooted in the core tenets of Christian faith, speaks to the transformative power of forgiveness and the subsequent ripple effect it has on our interactions with the world. It captures the essence of a believer's journey, moving from the liberation found in knowing one's sins are pardoned – a concept echoing the Apostle Paul’s declarations in Romans 8:1 that "there is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus" – to the active demonstration of that grace in everyday life.
The lyrics articulate a pivotal realization: the experience of being "greatly pardoned" naturally compels one to extend forgiveness to others, mirroring the divine injunction found in Colossians 3:13: "bearing with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgiving as the Lord forgave you." This principle of reciprocity, born from an understanding of one's own indebtedness and subsequent release, becomes the bedrock of righteous living. The song moves beyond mere acknowledgment of forgiveness to embrace a proactive stance of loving one's neighbor, recognizing that true discipleship involves embodying Christ's love. This is not a passive observation but an active commitment to walk in compassion, to bridge divides rather than build walls, and to embrace the challenging but rewarding path of relational commitment. The lyrics powerfully convey this by stating, "I’ve been so loved that I’ll risk loving too," a sentiment that directly addresses the fear that often paralyzes us and prevents genuine connection, as taught in 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear."
Furthermore, "I Then Shall Live" transitions into a prayerful aspiration, a yearning for the Kingdom of God to manifest both internally and externally. The desire for God's kingdom to "come around and through and in me" and for His glory to "shine through me" speaks to a deep longing for personal transformation that extends outward to impact the world. This echoes the petition in the Lord's Prayer, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10), underscoring the believer's role as a conduit for God's reign and righteousness. The aspiration to bear God's name with honor and to share the Bread of Life, thereby feeding a hungry world, is a powerful testament to the missionary impulse inherent in the Gospel. It’s a call to service, a recognition that a life truly lived in Christ is a life that actively participates in God's redemptive work, reflecting the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19-20. The repeated "Amen" at the conclusion is not simply an affirmation but a solemn pledge, a heartfelt seal on this profound commitment to live out the implications of redemption in every facet of existence. The song, in its unadorned vocal presentation, offers a timeless and deeply scriptural blueprint for a life fully surrendered to the principles of the Gospel.