Shane & Shane - Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me Lyrics
Lyrics
What gift of grace is Jesus, my redeemer
There is no more for heaven now to give
He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom
My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
For my life is wholly bound to His
Oh, how strange and divine
I can sing: all is mine!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
The night is dark but I am not forsaken
For by my side, the Savior, He will stay
I labor on in weakness and rejoicing
For in my need, His power is displayed
To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me
Through the deepest valley, He will lead
Oh, the night has been won
And I shall overcome!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven
The future sure, the price, it has been paid
For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon
And He was raised to overthrow the grave
To this, I hold, my sin has been defeated
Jesus now and ever is my plea
Oh, the chains are released
I can sing: I am free!
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
With every breath, I long to follow Jesus
For He has said that He will bring me home
And day by day I know He will renew me
Until I stand with joy before the throne
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete
Still, my lips shall repeat
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus
All the glory evermore to Him
When the race is complete
Still, my lips shall repeat
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
And when the race is complete
Still, my lips shall repeat
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Yet not I, but through Christ in me
Video
CityAlight - Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me (Live)
Meaning & Inspiration
Shane & Shane's rendition of "Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me," released on November 11, 2018, as part of CityAlight's live recording, is a powerful anthem that articulates a profound theological truth: the complete dependence of the believer on the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The song originates from the hymnody tradition, carrying the rich heritage of Christian confession, and Shane & Shane’s contemporary arrangement breathes vibrant life into its timeless message. At its core, the song is an exposition on the transformative power of God's grace, emphasizing that any good work or spiritual attainment in the life of a believer is not a product of their own strength or merit, but solely of Christ's indwelling presence and enabling power.
The lyrical narrative artfully unpacks this central theme by contrasting the believer's former state of self-reliance and inherent sinfulness with their new identity in Christ. It speaks to the complete surrender of self, acknowledging that personal efforts are insufficient for salvation or sanctification. This sentiment echoes the Apostle Paul's declaration in Galatians 2:20, where he writes, "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." The song’s confession is a direct reflection of this Pauline understanding, highlighting that the very essence of Christian living is a life lived *through* Christ.
The song’s brilliance lies in its unflinching focus on the sovereignty of God and the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. It moves beyond a superficial acknowledgment of faith, delving into the deeper reality of Christ's active participation in the believer's life, from initial salvation to ongoing spiritual growth. This resonates with passages like Philippians 1:6, which assures believers that God "who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." The lyrics capture this continuous work of Christ, where every act of obedience, every victory over sin, and every expression of love is attributed to His power working within. Furthermore, the song's exploration of the believer's transformation can be seen as an expansion on the concept of being a new creation in Christ, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" The song beautifully articulates that this newness is not merely an internal change of heart, but a profound reorientation of life, lived out through Christ's presence. The message serves as a constant reminder to anchor one's hope and identity not in personal achievements or fluctuating feelings, but in the unchangeable reality of Christ's finished work and His abiding presence in the lives of His followers, a truth that encourages enduring faith and unwavering devotion.