All Because of Mercy

Casting Crowns' “All Because of Mercy” opens with a confession of what the singer cannot claim. “I could stand here and try to tell you I found my way here on my own, brought to life this heart of stone,” as if “anybody could” work their own way to good. The next lines drop that story: “I've been broken since my very first breath, and I've been wandering since my very first step.”

The chorus gives the real reason he can stand “unashamed.” “It's not because I'm worthy, it's all because of mercy, there's no way that I could earn it, praise God my debt is paid.” The second verse remembers being found “six feet under all my shame” and hearing his name called. The cross is described as having “spoken,” because Jesus “bled and died to bring this dead man back to life.” The bridge is a prayer to stay as needy as he was at the start: “If I ever should forget, remind me once again.”

Being made alive by mercy is Ephesians 2:4-5, and salvation not by works is Titus 3:5. Being lifted from a pit is Psalm 40:2.