Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
104Resource Type:
Keys included:
C
About this Hymn
What would it sound like for the Pharisee in Luke 18:9–14 to repent? His prayer begins by proclaiming what he has not done, with a list of people he is "not like." So repentance must be renouncing such boasts before God. In the end the repenting Pharisee's prayer is the same as the tax collector's. Ultimately there is only one gospel, one hope of salvation. God shows mercy to sinners, self-righteous or self-loathing, on the basis of Christ crucified and risen. We are both the tax collector and the Pharisee. One moment we are wallowing in our sin, relenting of any hope due to the greatness of our evil. The next moment we are boasting of our own righteousness and finding comfort in our external goodness and self-control. We need songs that preach the gospel to us and lift us out of the ditches on both sides of the road. – Eric Schumacher & David L. Ward
Lyrics
Verse 1
No list of sins I have not done, no list of virtues I pursue, no list of those I am not like can earn myself a place with you. O God, be merciful to me! I am a sinner through and through. My only hope of righteousness is not in me, but only you.
Verse 2
No humble dress, no fervent prayer, no lifted hands, no tearful song, no recitation of the truth can justify a single wrong. My righteousness is Jesus' life. My debt was paid by Jesus' death. My weary load was borne by him, and he alone can give me rest.
Verse 3
No separation from the world, no work I do, no gift I give can cleanse my conscience, cleanse my hands— I cannot cause my soul to live. But Jesus died and rose again. The pow'r of death is overthrown! My God is merciful to me, and merciful in Christ alone.
Tag
My righteousness is Jesus' life. My debt was paid by Jesus' death. My weary load was borne by him, and he alone can give me rest.
No list of sins I have not done, no list of virtues I pursue, no list of those I am not like can earn myself a place with you. O God, be merciful to me! I am a sinner through and through. My only hope of righteousness is not in me, but only you.
Verse 2
No humble dress, no fervent prayer, no lifted hands, no tearful song, no recitation of the truth can justify a single wrong. My righteousness is Jesus' life. My debt was paid by Jesus' death. My weary load was borne by him, and he alone can give me rest.
Verse 3
No separation from the world, no work I do, no gift I give can cleanse my conscience, cleanse my hands— I cannot cause my soul to live. But Jesus died and rose again. The pow'r of death is overthrown! My God is merciful to me, and merciful in Christ alone.
Tag
My righteousness is Jesus' life. My debt was paid by Jesus' death. My weary load was borne by him, and he alone can give me rest.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words & Music: Eric M. Schumacher, David L. Ward © 2012 Hymnicity (Hymnicity / www.hymni.city)