The Collingsworth Family - At Calvary Lyrics
Lyrics
Years I spend in vanity and pride
Caring not my Lord was crucified
Knowing not it was for me He died
On Calvary
Mercy there was great and grace was free
Pardon there was multiplied to me
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary
By Gods words at last my sin I learned
Then I tremble at the law I'd spurned
Till my guilty soul imploring turned
To Calvary
O the love that drew salvation's plan
O the grace that brought it down to man
O the mighty gulf that God did span
At Calvary
Mercy there was great and grace was free
Pardon there was multiplied to me
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary
Oh and now I've given to Jesus everything
Now I gladly own Him as my King
Now my raptured soul can only sing
Of Calvary
Mercy there was great and grace was free
Pardon there was multiplied to me
There my burdened soul found liberty
At Calvary
Mercy there was great and grace was free
At Calvary
Calvary...
Video
The Collingsworth Family - At Calvary (Live)
Meaning & Inspiration
The Collingsworth Family's rendition of "At Calvary," released on February 24, 2017, is a profound spiritual journey, a powerful testament to the transformative power of the cross. The song's genesis lies in a deep understanding of humanity's fallen state, as articulated in the opening lines, reflecting a life spent in ignorance of Christ's sacrifice. This mirrors the Apostle Paul's own confession in 1 Timothy 1:13, where he speaks of previously being a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man, yet found mercy because he acted in ignorance and unbelief. The central narrative of "At Calvary" is the awakening to sin and the subsequent desperate plea for redemption, a theme deeply rooted in scriptural accounts. The realization of personal guilt before a holy God and the trembling at the weight of the Law, as described in the lyrics, directly aligns with Romans 3:20, which states that no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by observing the law; rather, it is through the law that we become conscious of sin.
The song masterfully conveys the immense magnitude of God's love and the unfathomable depth of His grace, personified in the singular event of Christ's crucifixion. The lyrics speak of a "mighty gulf that God did span," a poetic, yet accurate, representation of the chasm between God's holiness and man's sinfulness, bridged by Jesus' atoning sacrifice. This is echoed in 2 Corinthians 5:19, which declares that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. The repetitive refrain, "Mercy there was great and grace was free, pardon there was multiplied to me, there my burdened soul found liberty," serves as a powerful anchor, underscoring the abundant and unconditional nature of God's forgiveness. This liberates the soul from the chains of sin and guilt, a promise found in John 8:36, where Jesus tells His followers, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
The progression from recognizing one's sin to surrendering all to Christ is beautifully illustrated, culminating in a complete and joyous devotion. The lyrics express a newfound allegiance, where the singer gladly claims Jesus as King and their soul is filled with a song of praise. This transformation is the very essence of Christian conversion, a complete reorientation of one's life, as described by Jesus Himself in Matthew 16:24: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me." The ultimate message of "At Calvary" is one of hope, redemption, and the liberating truth that through faith in Christ's sacrifice, a new life, filled with liberty and unending praise, is made possible. It is a message that resonates deeply, reminding listeners of the profound significance of that singular event on Calvary and its enduring power to change lives for eternity.