By Grace I Am an Heir of Heaven lyrics
Verse 1
By grace I am an heir of heaven:
Why doubt this, O my trembling heart?
If what the Scriptures promise clearly
Is true and firm in ev’ry part,
This also must be truth divine:
By grace a crown of life is mine.
Verse 2
By grace alone shall I inherit
That blissful home beyond the skies.
Works count for naught, the Lord incarnate
Hath won for me the heav’nly prize.
Salvation by his death he wrought,
His grace alone my pardon bought.
Verse 3
By grace! These precious words remember
When sorely by thy sins oppressed,
When Satan comes to vex thy spirit,
When troubled conscience sighs for rest;
What reason cannot comprehend,
God doth to thee by grace extend.
Verse 4
By grace! Be this in death my comfort;
Despite my fears, ’tis well with me.
I know my sin in all its greatness,
But also him who sets me free.
My heart to naught but joy gives place
Since I am saved by grace, by grace.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | By Grace I Am an Heir of Heaven |
| Author / Lyricist | Unknown / Traditional |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional / early American gospel tune |
| Date Written / Published | 19th century |
| Historical Context | Written during American revival movements; emphasizes salvation and eternal hope. |
| Theme / Message | Assurance of salvation and eternal inheritance through Christ. |
| Notable Features | Evangelical tone; memorable for congregational singing. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Popular in revival meetings and Sunday school hymnals. |
| Source / Scholarship | American Hymns Old and New – Harry Eskew |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis on This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian notes the hymn emphasizes salvation by grace and the believer’s assurance of eternal life. |
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley’s focus on God’s grace aligns directly with the hymn’s theological emphasis. |
| Philip Doddridge, Nonconformist Minister & Hymn Writer, 1702–1751 | Doddridge highlights the believer’s inheritance through faith, a theme central to the hymn. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton frequently reflected on grace and assurance, reinforcing the hymn’s message. |
| William Cowper, Poet & Hymn Writer, 1731–1800 | Cowper’s devotional poetry on salvation and hope parallels the theological focus of this hymn. |
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