Peter sent this music. It sounded so 'live', it seemed appropriate to add a virtual concert crowd. Larry and I wrote the lyrics based on Ephesians 2:8-9. Many thanks to Nicole de Jong and Margriet Brasz for singing backup vocals, and to Filco Kruit for playing the extremely cool electric guitar parts. - Elton, 10 January 2009
It is not by things that I have done
It is not by trials that I have overcome
It is not by my own sweat and tears
Or service I've performed throughout the years
It is not by doing all I can
It is not by following a careful plan
It is not by merit or reward
It is not of me, it's from the Lord!
It's by the mercy and the grace that He has shown
It's by the Words of Life that lead us to His throne
It's by His Spirit that our souls are born anew
We cannot boast -- it is God's gift to me and you!
It is not by things that I have done
It is not by trials that I have overcome
It is not by my own sweat and tears
Or service I've performed throughout the years
It's by the mercy and the grace that He has shown
It's by the Words of Life that lead us to His throne
It's by His Spirit that our souls are born anew
We cannot boast -- it is God's gift to me and you!
(guitar solo)
It is not by things that I have done
It is not by trials that I have overcome
It is not by my own sweat and tears
Or service I've performed throughout the years
It is not by doing all I can
It is not by following a careful plan
It is not by merit or reward
It is not of me, it's from the Lord!
Copyright © 2009 Peter Gringhuis, Elton Smith and Larry Holder
