I stand accused
There's a list a mile long
Of all my sins
Of everything that I've done wrong
I'm so ashamed
There's nowhere left for me to hide
This is the day
I must answer for my life
My fate is in the Judge's hands
But then He turns to me and says
I know you
I love you
I gave My life to save you
Love paid the price for mercy
My verdict not guilty
How can it be?
I can't begin to comprehend
What kind of grace
Would take the place of all my sin?
I stand in awe
Now that I have been set free
And the tears well up as I look at that cross
'Cause it should have been me
My fate was in the nail scarred hands
He stretched them out for me and said
[Chorus]
I'm falling on my knees to thank You
With everything I am I'll praise You
So grateful for the words I heard You say
"Not Guilty" by Mandisa is a powerful and uplifting song that resonates with anyone who has ever felt burdened by guilt and shame. The lyrics express a sense of remorse and shame for past mistakes, but also a profound gratitude for the forgiveness and grace offered by God.
The song begins with the singer acknowledging her guilt and listing her sins, feeling the weight of her wrongdoings. This sense of guilt is relatable to all of us, as we have all made mistakes and fallen short of God's standards. But instead of wallowing in self-condemnation, the singer recognizes that there is no place to hide from her actions and must answer for her life.
However, the tone of the song takes a hopeful turn as the singer proclaims that her fate is in the Judge's hands. This Judge, of course, refers to God, who is the ultimate authority and judge of our lives. Despite our sinful nature, God extends his love and grace to us.
The chorus of the song beautifully captures the heart of the message. It declares that God knows us intimately, loves us unconditionally, and sacrificed his own life to save us. The lyrics remind us that love paid the price for mercy, and as a result, we are declared not guilty. This is a profound and liberating truth that brings hope and joy to the listener.
The song draws inspiration from several scripture verses that relate to the theme of guilt and forgiveness. Romans 3:23 reminds us that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This verse reinforces the idea that we are all guilty before God. However, Romans 8:1 offers hope by stating, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This verse assures us that through faith in Jesus, we can be declared not guilty and set free from the burden of guilt and shame.
The story behind the song is deeply personal to Mandisa. She has been open about her struggles with weight, self-image, and past mistakes. "Not Guilty" reflects her journey of embracing God's forgiveness and finding freedom from shame. The song serves as a reminder to Mandisa and her listeners that our past does not define us, and that God's grace is more powerful than any mistake we have made.
In conclusion, "Not Guilty" by Mandisa is a powerful anthem of forgiveness and freedom. Its lyrics express the universal experience of guilt and shame, but also the transformative power of God's love and grace. The song draws inspiration from scripture verses that remind us of our sinful nature and God's offer of forgiveness. It is a song that brings hope and encouragement to all who listen, reminding us that we are not defined by our past mistakes, but by the love and grace of our Heavenly Father.
