by Robert M. McCheyne
When this passing world is done,
When has sunk yon glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory,
Looking o’er life’s finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
When I stand before the throne,
Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see Thee as Thou art,
Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
Chosen not for good in me,
Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Savior’s side,
By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.
Oft I walk beneath the cloud,
Dark, as midnight’s gloomy shroud;
But, when fear is at the height,
Jesus comes, and all is light;
Blessed Jesus! bid me show
Doubting saints how much I owe.
When the praise of Heav’n I hear,
Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters’ noise,
Sweet as harp’s melodious voice,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know—
Not till then—how much I owe.
I have been so blessed by this hymn. The words are such a beautiful reminder of our limited understanding of Christ’s sacrifice for us. We tend to minimize our own sin, but standing next to Christ’s perfection we are utterly unworthy. Praise God, He has given me Christ’s righteousness. It is totally of grace that I can never repay.
Sermonaudio.com has the words I’ve listed and the tune that we sing at our church. Cyberhymnal.org includes additional verses, but uses a different tune.
This post is linked to Song for Sunday at Fenced in Family.