mgpcpastor's blog

I’ve been very fond of Augustus Toplady’s lyrics for years now, but less happy with the tunes to which they were sung.
Bob Kauflin’s inclusion of a revised version of ‘A Debtor To Mercy Alone’ on his CD ‘Upward’ provides a melody that I think does the poetry and theology of these words justice.
The alterations to the original lyrics don’t diminish the song’s overall testimony.
There is a bit of a musical bridge and a melodic variation in the third verse. If you didn’t use them I don’t think it would matter. The basic melody is easy to pick up and flows well.

Here are Kauflin’s lyrics:
1.
A debtor to mercy alone
Of covenant mercy I sing
I come with Your righteousness on
My humble offering to bring
The judgments of Your holy law
With me can have nothing to do
My Savior’s obedience and blood
Hide all my transgressions
From view
2.
The work which Your goodness began
The arm of Your strength will complete
Your promise is yes and amen
And never was forfeited yet
The future or things that are now
No power below or above
Can make You Your purpose forego
Or sever my soul from Your love
3.
My name from the palms of Your hands
Eternity will not erase
Impressed on Your heart it remains
In marks of indelible grace
Yes I, to the end will endure
Until I bow down at Your throne
Forever and always secure
Forever and always secure
Forever and always secure
A debtor to mercy alone

© 1998 Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI).

You can hear a one minute sample (enought for the first verse) by clicking this link.
Sheet music, mp3 recording and associated resources for the song here.