I Receive
Israel Houghton Lyrics

Accepted, highly favored of the Lord
Acknowledging the singer's unworthiness, but also that he is the recipient of extraordinary grace and goodwill from God.

Forgiven by Your love I am transformed
Recognition that the love of God has effectuated a fundamental change in the singer, enabling him to live differently based on the forgiveness he received from God.

It's not what I'll do but what You've done for me
Putting emphasis on the agency and perfect work of God, while downplaying the singer's own merits and accomplishments.

And by Your grace oh God I stand with my head held high
Attestation that the artist is confident in his standing before God, not based on his accomplishments, but solely on God's grace.

I receive Your love, I receive Your love for me
Repeating the declamation of the first line and inviting divine love into one's life, as an act of faith.

I know I am accepted, oh
Reiterating the confidence the singer has in his position before God, which is not based on achievements, but solely on grace and mercy.

Established, ever blameless in Your Son
Assertion that the singer, through faith in Jesus Christ, has been put on a solid foundation, immutably blameless and pure in God's sight.

Forever I am chosen to be loved
Rejoicing in being elected to be the object of God's love, without deserving it, and enjoying the everlasting benefits thereof.

It's not by my works, by Your work in me, yeah
Reiterating that it's not the artist's achievements, but God's work done in the artist, that has brought about a change in his life.

Behold all things have been made new
Extolling the profound renewal that has taken place in the artist's life, with Jesus being the catalyst for that transformation.

My past has gone, my shame renewed
Celebrating the fact that the burden of guilt and shame from the past has been lifted because of the singer's connection to Jesus.

You gave Your Son Your love for me
Reflecting on the amazing and selfless love of God for humanity, which is demonstrated in the gift of his son, Jesus.

Now at the cross I am made free
Acknowledging the liberating power of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and praising the singer's newfound freedom from sin and darkness.

Where would I be?
A rhetorical question that highlights the contrast between the present blessed state of the singer and the possible undesirable outcomes of a life without God.

Where would I be if not for Your grace?
A clear admission that the grace of God is the sole factor that has kept the singer safe and secure, regardless of his shortcomings.