Lyrics
Verse 1
Lord, I'm grateful, amazed at what You've done
My finest efforts are filthy rags
But I'm made righteous by trusting in the Son
I have God's riches at Christ's expense
Chorus
'Cause it's grace, there's nothing I can do
To make You love me more
To make You love me less than You do
And by faith I'm standing on this stone
Of Christ and Christ alone
Your righteousness is all that I need
'Cause it's grace
Verse 2
Called and chosen when I was far away
You brought me into Your family
Free, forgiven, my guilt is washed away
Your loving kindness is life to me
Verse 3
Freely given, but bought with priceless blood
My life was ransomed at Calvary
There my Jesus gave everything He could
That I might live for eternity
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Lord I’m Grateful (Grace)” by Stuart Townend is a short hymn-like song built on the idea that righteousness is received and not earned. The first verse admits that the singer’s finest efforts are “filthy rags,” yet they are “made righteous by trusting in the Son” and given “God’s riches at Christ’s expense.” The chorus names the reason in one word, “grace,” and adds that nothing the singer does can make God love them more or less.
The second and third verses trace the shape of salvation: being called and chosen while far away, brought into God’s family, forgiven, and ransomed at Calvary by priceless blood. The final line states the purpose, that the singer might live for eternity.
The imagery is close to Isaiah 64:6 on filthy rags, Ephesians 2:8-9 on grace through faith, and 1 Peter 1:18-19 on being redeemed with precious blood. The lyric stays plain and thankful, keeping attention on what Christ has done.
Related Scripture
- Isaiah 64:6 Righteous acts like filthy rags
- Ephesians 2:8-9 Saved by grace through faith, not works
- 1 Peter 1:18-19 Redeemed with the precious blood of Christ