A few months ago, while reading James Montgomery Boice’s commentary on Romans, I learned of a hymn called “A Debtor to Mercy Alone” written by Augustus Toplady. Toplady is also the author of the more well-known “Rock of Ages.” In a chapter called “The Reign of Grace” Boice discusses the word indelible in the third verse. The word indelible means incapable of being destroyed, obliterated, or blotted out. As the word indelible relates to grace, Boice says this: “Nothing can erase that which is indelible. So, if grace is written out in indelible characters, it is forever and ever. For the reign of grace there is no defeat and there can be no end.”
In other words, grace triumphs. Grace conquers. Grace is eternal. Alleluia!
With a view towards tomorrow, the Lord’s Day, let us meditate on this indelible grace whereby, through Christ Jesus, we have been saved.
A Debtor to Mercy Alone
A debtor to mercy alone, of covenant mercy I sing;
Nor fear, with Thy righteousness on, my person and off’ring to bring.
The terrors of law and of God with me can have nothing to do;
My Savior’s obedience and blood hide all my transgressions from view.
The work which His goodness began, the arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is Yea and Amen, and never was forfeited yet.
Things future, nor things that are now, nor all things below or above,
Can make Him His purpose forgo, or sever my soul from His love.
My name from the palms of His hands eternity will not erase;
Impressed on His heart it remains, in marks of indelible grace.
Yes, I to the end shall endure, as sure as the earnest is giv’n;
More happy, but not more secure, the glorified spirits in heav’n.
You can listen here.
I love this hymn, particularly the lines
“My name from the palms of His hands eternity will not erase;
Impressed on His heart it remains, in marks of indelible grace.”
Grace triumphs. Grace conquers. Grace is eternal. Alleluia!
Alleluia! indeed, sister! Thank you for sharing your encouraging insights with us, and the hymn is a gem! Thanking God for you and wishing you a very blessed first Lord’s Day of the year!
I love this post Christina! What a beautiful hymn – and what an incredible phrase – Indelible grace! What would we do without it?
Have a blessed Lord’s Day my sweet friend!
Well done, Christina! Very helpful to all of us, as always. Thank you!
“My name from the palms of His hands eternity will not erase;
Impressed on His heart it remains, in marks of indelible grace.”
Yes! Thank God for indelible grace … and thank you sweet sister for this encouraging post!