Acapeldridge sang an energetic a cappella cover of ‘Wonderful Grace Of Jesus’.
Wonderful Grace of Jesus hymn story
‘Wonderful Grace of Jesus’ is a Christian hymn written by Haldor Lillenas and is a hymn of grace. It was first sung in 1918 and quickly became a favorite across denominational lines in the Church today 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 became a pastor in the Church of the Nazarene. He soon became more renowned because of his musical endeavors than his pastoral ministry. Lillenas wrote more than 4,000 hymn texts and tunes, many of which are still in use today both by the Nazarene and by other 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 talks about 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). It is grace that takes away the burden of sin and liberates our soul.
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, it speaks about God’s grace which is for everyone and not for a favored few. Lillenas’s view of salvation by grace is about both parties contributing to the transaction (Titus 3:5; Eph 2:8). He speaks about the finished work of Christ 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 speaks of grace irrespective of the magnitude of one’s sin, as God’s grace is available and is sufficient for salvation even to “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’ uses the best of doctrinal truth with an upbeat melody. Today as Acapeldridge sings this beautiful hymn we are feeling upbeat and joyful today.
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