Lyrics: Haldor Lillenas, 1918.
Music: Haldor Lillenas.
Theme: But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 2:4-7
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.
Refrain
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Wonderful grace, all sufficient for me, 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,
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.
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.
Now that’s a Southern Gospel quartet! And I think this hymn is popular, not only because it has simple, wonderful words of praise, but also because it’s so much fun to sing.
Author and composer Haldor Lillenas was born in Norway, but came to the United States as a young boy. He was confirmed in the Lutheran Church as a young man, but he later became a Church of the Nazarene preacher and song leader. He wrote over 4000 hymns and spiritual songs, but this one is probably his most popular and enduring.
Sources:
101 More Hymn Stories by Keneth Osbeck.
Glimpses of Christian History: Haldor Lillenas and the Matchless Grace of Jesus.
Fantastic!! What a great way to start my day! Thanks for sharing.
There’s no version of this song better than the Cathedrals’! Great pick!
Ah, the Cathedrals! Thanks for sharing, Sherry!
Yes! It is fun to sing!! Late last summer, my church (college-church.org) was voting for our senior pastor. While they were counting the votes, we had an impromptu hymn sing. This was the last song we sang before they announced the vote and I have to tell you that this very proper church became alive. Praise his Name, indeed.
(This poll is slightly more fun than the picture book one!)