Julia Harriette Johnston 1849-1919, author of the words to this song, lived in Peoria, Illinois, from age six. Her father was pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Peoria, and Julia directed the Sunday school there for over 40 years. She also found time to serve as president of the Presbyterian Missionary Society of Peoria for 20 years, and to write more than 500 hymns.
This song has been around for a long time…nearly 100 years. The words are a great reminder of the truth that no matter how great our sin, GOD’s grace is even greater. What a comfort!
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured,
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilled.Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!Sin and despair, like the sea waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater, yes, grace untold,
Points to the refuge, the mighty cross.Dark is the stain that we cannot hide;
What can we do to wash it away?
Look! There is flowing a crimson tide,
Brighter than snow you may be today.Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
You that are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive?
