Romans 3:22–23 — “There is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Galatians 3:28 — “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Luke 18:14 — “He went home justified… for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled.”
Isaiah 64:6 — “All our righteous acts are like filthy rags.”
Acts 10:34 — “God shows no partiality.”
Favor with God isn’t inherited, earned, or awarded to the famous. It’s received by the humble. Your uncle’s prayers won’t save you. Your pastor’s wisdom won’t cover you. Even David—the man after God’s own heart—was a murderer and adulterer saved only by mercy. The gospel levels every hierarchy: rich/poor, wise/foolish, clean/unclean. At the cross, reputations dissolve. Only need remains. And only grace answers.
lyrics by Zeb of Virginia Beach Church –
from his song “Grace On My Mind”
Grace on my mind grace in my soul
Jesus reached out and He took control
He set me free from where I’d been
Hello salvation goodbye to sin
Grace on my mind free from the past
It’s all gone behind I got grace on my mind
was lost in the mirrors with no way out
no honest idea what life was about
deep in dark forest no paths could I see
He shined his light and He set me free
grand vistas before me vast darkness behind
now I can see, Lord, I was so blind
Look at the beauty feel God’s peace
I hear Your voice now, my soul released
Grace on my mind grace in my soul
you saved me Lord I got grace on my mind
BRIDGE: Undeserved favor ours to receive
when we open our hearts and in Jesus believe
and from his song “All Shook Up” (no, not that one)
I was all shook up when I saw Your face
I was all shook up by Your Amazing Grace
I was all shook up all over the place
I was All shook up
I was standing like a mountain
but pretending inside
i was the king of the country
based on empty pride
I was the main attraction
people came from all around
but then i saw His glory and
i fell to the ground
I was all shook up when I saw Your face
I was all shook up by Your Amazing Grace
I was all shook up all over the place
I was All shook up
bridge:
i was so sure i knew so well
but it was all part of a demon’s spell
i was quaking inside but you could never tell
but God in your wisdom knew I was going to hell
Lord, strip me of every illusion that I’m “better” or that someone else is “too far.” Keep me low. Keep me grateful. And let me never forget: I stand only because You lifted me. Amen.
