CeCe Winans - Mercy said No Lyrics
Lyrics
I was just a child, when I felt the Savior leading
I was drawn to what I could not understand
And for the cause of Christ, I have spent my days believing
That what He'd have me be, is who I am
As I've come to see the weaker side of me
I realize His grace is what I'll need
When sin demanded justice for my soul
Mercy said no
I'm not gonna let you go
I'm not gonna let you slip away
You don't have to be afraid
Mercy said no
Sin will never ever take control
Life and death stood face to face
Darkness tried to steal my heart away carry for 3 beats
Thank You Jesus, Mercy said no carry it for 5 beats
For God so loved the world, that He sent His son to save us
From the cross He built a bridge to set us free
Oh, but deep within our hearts, there is still a war that rages
And makes a sacrifice so hard to see
As midnight fell on crucifixion day
The light of hope seemed oh so far away
As evil tried to stop redemption's flow
Mercy said no
I'm not gonna let you go
I'm not gonna let you slip away
You don't have to be afraid
Mercy said no
sin will never ever take control
Life and death stood face to face
Darkness tried to steal my heart away carry for 3 beats
Thank You Jesus, Mercy said no carry it for 5 beats
[Bridge]
And now when heaven looks at me
It's through the blood of Jesus
Reminding me of one day long ago
Mercy said no
I'm not gonna let you go
I'm not gonna let you slip away
You don't have to be afraid
Mercy said no
sin will never ever take control
Life and death stood face to face
Darkness tried to steal my heart away carry for 3 beats
Thank You Jesus, Mercy said no carry it for 5 beats
Video
Mercy Said No
Meaning & Inspiration
Released in 2003 as part of the *Throne Room (Gold Edition)* album, CeCe Winans’ powerful anthem, "Mercy Said No," stands as a profound testament to God's unwavering grace and redemptive power. The song opens with a deeply personal reflection, Winans recounting a childhood recognition of a divine calling, a nascent understanding that her life's purpose was intertwined with her faith. This initial commitment blossoms into a lifelong dedication, a journey marked by an evolving awareness of personal frailty and an ever-deepening reliance on divine assistance. The realization that human weakness necessitates God’s unmerited favor is a central theme, a concept beautifully echoed in verses like Romans 5:8 which states, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
The core message of "Mercy Said No" revolves around the overwhelming triumph of divine mercy over sin and condemnation. The lyrics vividly portray a spiritual battlefield where sin demands its due, and life and death hang in the balance. Yet, at the precipice of destruction, mercy intervenes with an emphatic refusal to let go. This powerful assertion finds its biblical foundation in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as the song alludes to God's immeasurable love demonstrated through sending His Son, a direct reference to John 3:16. The imagery of darkness attempting to steal the heart away is a poignant representation of temptation and spiritual attack, but the song assures that redemption’s flow cannot be halted. The refrain, "Mercy said no, I'm not gonna let you go, I'm not gonna let you slip away," is a declaration of God's steadfast commitment to His children, a promise of security that resonates with verses like Hebrews 13:5, which assures believers, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." The extended "Thank You Jesus, Mercy said no" underscores the immense gratitude and awe for this divine intervention.
Winans further elaborates on this profound truth by acknowledging the ongoing spiritual warfare within the human heart. Despite the ultimate victory won on the cross, a battle continues, making the concept of sacrifice sometimes difficult to fully grasp. However, the bridge offers a profound shift in perspective, reminding listeners that their standing before heaven is not based on their own merit, but on the atoning blood of Jesus. This transformative understanding, rooted in the New Covenant established through Christ, shifts the focus from human striving to divine provision. The song thus serves as a powerful reminder that even when faced with our own failings and the temptations of the world, God's mercy is an unyielding force, a shield that guards us from eternal separation. It’s a declaration of victory, not just in the past, but in the present and for the future, confirming that the love and sacrifice of Christ have secured a permanent, unshakeable grace.