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
Meaning & Inspiration
Yet Not I But Through Christ in Me centers every part of Christian hope on Jesus rather than personal strength. Each verse names a different ground for confidence: grace in the present, companionship in hardship, pardon through the cross, victory through the resurrection, and the promise of being brought home. The recurring title line answers every declaration of endurance by giving Christ the glory.
The song’s language closely reflects Paul’s confession that Christ lives in him. Its treatment of weakness also recalls the biblical teaching that Christ’s power is displayed where human ability fails. Darkness, valleys, chains, and a completed race form a progression from present struggle to final joy before the throne. Because the refrain follows both suffering and assurance, perseverance is presented neither as self-reliance nor denial of pain. It is a sustained dependence on the Savior who forgives, defends, renews, and completes his work.
Related Scripture
- Galatians 2:20 Paul says that Christ lives in him and defines his new life.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 Christ’s power is made perfect in weakness.
- Philippians 1:6 God is faithful to complete the good work he begins.