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Sovereign Grace O’er Sin Abounding

Sovereign Grace O’er Sin Abounding
Words: John Kent. Music: Sandra McCracken. ©2001 Same Old Dress Music (ASCAP). CCLI Song #4301154

Sovereign grace o’er sin abounding!
Ransomed souls, the tidings swell;
‘Tis a deep that knows no sounding;
Who its breadth or length can tell?
On its glories,
May my soul forever dwell.

What from Christ that soul can sever,
Bound by everlasting bands?
Once in Him, in Him forever;
Thus the eternal covenant stands.
None shall take Thee
From the Strength of Israel’s hands.

Heirs of God, joint-heirs with Jesus,
Long ere time its race begun;
To His name eternal praises;
O what wonders love has done!
One with Jesus,
By eternal union one

On such love, my soul, still ponder,
Love so great, so rich, so free;
Say, while lost in holy wonder,
Why, O Lord, such love to me?
Hallelujah! Grace shall reign
Hallelujah! Grace shall reign
Hallelujah! Grace shall reign eternally

Scripture References
Deut 32:10; Rom 8:17

Notes
Read a memoir of John Kent’s life.

Quotes from John Kent’s deathbed:
“We must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, to give an account of the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or bad. That portion has cut me to the heart; while at the same time it has been my hope. If I am to stand by myself to yield an account, I am lost—lost for ever! But I know it is the judgment-seat of Christ; he is my surety, and has paid all demands. I shall be tried there by a covenant of grace, and not a covenant of works. Blessed be God for his great salvation.”

“The best obedience of my hands
Dare not appear before Thy throne;
But faith can answer Thy demands,
By pleading what my Lord hath done.”

(Singing William Cowper’s hymn, There Is A Fountain):
“Til all the ransomed church of God be saved to sin no more”

Final words:
“I am accepted—accepted.”

On his deathbed, John Kent confessed that he had often been tempted to suicide and self-destruction, but had found the best defense from these attacks and the sweetest balm for every wound was Hebrews 2:18: Because Jesus himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

Related Material
Other hymn arrangements by Sandra McCracken

John Kent, Jr:
“The melody of the heart is the best melody, and singing with the spirit and with the understanding, the sweetest employ.”