The authors of this song imagines the pharisee who said, “I thank God that I am not like this tax collector . . . I do this, and I don’t do that,  and I, I, I, I,” – awakens to his prideful hope in self-righteousness and turns to the finished work of Christ for his righteousness. I look forward to worshiping our Lord this Sunday with this new song. Lyrics and credits below.

Not in Me

No list of sins I have not done,
No list of virtues I pursue,
No list of those I am not like,
Can earn myself a place with You.
O God! Be merciful to me—
I am a sinner through and through!
My only hope of righteousness
Is not in me, but only You.

No humble dress, no fervent prayer,
No lifted hands, no tearful song,
No recitation of the truth
Can justify a single wrong.
My righteousness is Jesus’ life,
My debt was paid by Jesus’ death,
My weary load was borne by Him
And he alone can give me rest.

No separation from the world,
No work I do, no gift I give,
Can cleanse my conscience, cleanse my hands;
I cannot cause my soul to live.
But Jesus died and rose again—
The pow’r of death is overthrown!
My God is merciful to me
And merciful in Christ alone.

My righteousness is Jesus’ life,
My debt was paid by Jesus’ death,
My weary load was borne by Him
And he alone can give me rest,

And he alone can give me rest.

By Eric Schumacher & David L. Ward
© 2012 ThousandTongues.org