Michael Eldridge sings an energetic a cappella rendition of ‘Wonderful Grace of Jesus.’
The Story Behind ‘Wonderful Grace of Jesus’
‘Wonderful Grace of Jesus’ is a Christian hymn written by Haldor Lillenas. First sung in 1918, it quickly became a favorite across denominational lines because of its upbeat and unusual refrain, which splits into two parts.
Haldor Lillenas was born in Norway in 1855, but his family emigrated to America. He trained at Deets Pacific Bible College in Los Angeles and later became a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene.
Lillenas soon became more widely known for his musical contributions than for his pastoral ministry. He wrote more than 4,000 hymn texts and tunes, many of which are still in use today across denominations.
Wonderful grace of Jesus, greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it, where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden, setting my spirit free,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me!
The first stanza speaks of God’s grace being “greater than all my sin” and “broader than the scope of my transgressions, greater far than all my sin and shame” (Rom 5:20). Grace takes away the burden of sin and sets the soul free.
Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned, saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder, giving me liberty,
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me!
In the second stanza, Lillenas emphasizes that God’s grace is for everyone, not just a favored few. He points to salvation as a gift of God’s mercy, not human works (Titus 3:5; Eph 2:8), made possible by Christ’s finished work on the cross (John 19:30).
Wonderful grace of Jesus, reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power, making him God’s dear child.
Purchasing peace and heaven for all eternity;
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me!
The third stanza highlights that no matter the depth of sin, God’s grace is sufficient—even for “the most defiled.”
REFRAIN
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All-sufficient grace for even me;
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
O magnify the precious name of Jesus, praise His name!
‘Wonderful Grace of Jesus’ combines rich doctrinal truth with a joyful, energetic melody. As Michael Eldridge sings this classic hymn, it fills us with joy and reminds us of the endless power of God’s grace.
WATCH: Uplifting A Cappella Rendition of ‘Wonderful Grace of Jesus’
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