Worship Songs About Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a powerful theme in worship music, reminding us of the love and grace of God. As worship leaders, it’s essential to have a selection of songs that focus on this topic to bring healing and restoration to our congregations. In this blog post, we’ve curated a list of 10 worship songs about forgiveness that will inspire and uplift your congregation.
All of the songs we’ve chosen in our list are contemporary praise and worship songs, handpicked by worship leaders. These songs will help create a powerful atmosphere of forgiveness and grace during your worship services.
For every song listed, we have full band tutorials, chord/lyric charts (in every key), and tabs. Just choose your instrument to be taken directly to the lesson.
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We hope this list helps you find just the right songs to make your next worship service truly remarkable.
So without further ado…
10 Worship Songs About Forgiveness
1. House Of The Lord – Phil Wickham
We were the beggars
Now we’re royalty
We were the prisoners
Now we’re running free
We are forgiven accepted
Redeemed by His grace
Let the house of the Lord
sing praise
The first worship song about forgiveness on our list is “House Of The Lord.”These lyrics relate to forgiveness by describing a transformation from a state of being lost and in need of salvation, to being forgiven, accepted, and redeemed by God’s grace. The lyrics convey the idea that through forgiveness, we are given a new identity and status as children of God. The phrase “we were the beggars, now we’re royalty” suggests that forgiveness elevates us from a lowly state to one of nobility and honor.
The line “we were the prisoners, now we’re running free” highlights the freedom and liberation that comes with forgiveness, as it frees us from the bondage of sin and guilt. The reference to singing praise in the final line also highlights the gratitude and joy that come with the experience of forgiveness.
These lyrics relate to the Bible in several ways. The idea of being beggars and prisoners and then being transformed through forgiveness and redemption is a common theme in the Bible. The Bible teaches that all people are sinners in need of salvation, and that through faith in Jesus Christ, we can receive forgiveness and be made right with God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The phrase “now we’re royalty” relates to the Bible’s teaching that believers in Jesus are adopted as God’s children (John 1:12) and are made co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), giving us a royal status and inheritance. The phrase “redeemed by His grace” relates to the Bible’s teaching that redemption is not earned but is a free gift of God’s grace given to us through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8).
Finally, the reference to singing praise in the final line is a common theme throughout the Bible, as believers are called to give thanks and praise to God for His salvation (Psalm 150).
2. Holy Water – We The Kingdom
Your forgiveness
Is like sweet, sweet honey on my lips
Like the sound of a symphony to my ears
Like Holy water on my skin
Forgiveness helps us to recognize our own worthiness and power, reclaiming our autonomy over our lives and living more fully in the present moment. As these lyrics suggest, forgiveness has the potential to be something sweet like honey on our lips, beautiful like a symphony to our ears, and holy like water on our skin – bringing about an inner transformation that will touch all aspects of our life.
Forgiveness is not simply forgetting or accepting the wrongs inflicted upon us – it can also be a powerful tool for healing and personal growth. By forgiving someone, we are releasing ourselves from the burden of holding on to anger and resentment, allowing us to move forward with greater joy and acceptance.
These lyrics draw an interesting parallel to the teachings of the Bible. In Christianity, love and forgiveness are seen as intertwined, and followers are encouraged to show mercy and grace towards one another despite any wrongs that have been committed.
“Put away all bitterness and wrath and anger…forgiving each other” (Ephesians 4:31)
Ultimately, embracing forgiveness according to the Bible means more than simply “letting go” – it allows us to open up our hearts and minds, leading us closer to God and a greater understanding of His will for us.
3. O Come To The Altar – Elevation Worship
O come to the altar
The Father’s arms are open wide
Forgiveness was bought with
The precious blood of Jesus Christ
This is such a powerful worship song about forgiveness. These lyrics call attention to the power of forgiveness that can be found in Jesus Christ. Coming to the altar is a reference to coming before God, and the imagery of His arms being open wide remind us of the loving embrace of a Father. What’s more, this forgiveness was bought with “the precious blood of Jesus Christ”, which speaks to the immense sacrifice He made in order for us to receive such grace and mercy.
Ultimately, these lyrics serve as a reminder that through Jesus we can have access to true healing and transformation – something that cannot be attained without forgiveness, which comes only through His death and resurrection.
These lyrics point to the teachings in the Bible that emphasize the need for repentance and forgiveness through Jesus Christ in order to be saved. Moreover, these lyrics also draw attention to Jesus’ sacrificial death which enabled us to be forgiven by God. Numerous passages throughout the Bible attest to this – Mark 10:45 reads
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many”;
Romans 5:6-8 states
“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly… But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
4. Living Hope – Bethel
The cross has spoken, I am forgiven
The King of kings calls me His own
Beautiful Savior, I’m Yours forever
Jesus Christ, my living hope
These lyrics express a fundamental belief of Christianity, which is that through faith in Jesus Christ and belief in his death and resurrection, sins can be forgiven and eternal life can be obtained. The phrase “The cross has spoken” refers to the belief that Jesus’ death on the cross was necessary for the forgiveness of sins. It is through the shedding of his blood that believers are reconciled to God.
These lyrics relate to several key teachings of the Bible, specifically the New Testament. The phrase “The cross has spoken” is a reference to the belief that Jesus’ death on the cross is necessary for the forgiveness of sins. This belief is rooted in passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:3 which states,
“For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.”
The phrase “I am forgiven” relates to the Bible’s teaching that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers can be forgiven for their sins. This is a central message of the New Testament, with passages such as Ephesians 1:7 stating,
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”
Finally, the phrase “my living hope” relates to the Bible’s teaching that faith in Jesus Christ provides not only forgiveness of sins but also the hope of eternal life. This is another central message of the New Testament, with passages such as 1 Peter 1:3 stating,
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
5. His Mercy Is More – Matt Papa, Matt Boswell
What love could remember
no wrongs we have done
Omniscient, all knowing,
He counts not their sum
Thrown into a sea without
bottom or shore
Our sins they are many,
His mercy is more
These lyrics express the belief that God’s love and forgiveness are so great that they are able to overcome even the greatest of sins. The phrase “What love could remember, no wrongs we have done” expresses the idea that God’s love is so great that it is able to overlook and forget the wrongs that we have done, despite their severity.The use of the words “Omniscient, all knowing,” emphasizes the fact that God knows everything and is aware of every sin that we have committed. However, despite this knowledge, He chooses to forgive us.
The lyrics “He counts not their sum” expresses the idea that God does not keep a tally of our sins and does not hold them against us. Instead, He chooses to forgive us freely and completely.The phrase “Thrown into a sea without bottom or shore” is a metaphor for the vastness and depth of our sins. They are so numerous and great that it feels as if we are drowning in them. However, the lyrics go on to say “Our sins they are many, His mercy is more” expressing the belief that despite the depth and vastness of our sins, God’s mercy and forgiveness is even greater and can cover all of them.
These lyrics relate to several key teachings of the Bible. The phrase “What love could remember, no wrongs we have done” is an expression of the idea that God’s love is so great that it is able to forgive and forget the wrongs that we have done. This idea is rooted in passages such as Isaiah 43:25 which states,
“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”
In summary, the lyrics express the belief that God’s love and forgiveness are so great that they are able to overcome even the greatest of sins, and God’s mercy is always more than our faults. When it comes to worship songs about forgiveness, this is one that than’t be missed.
6. At The Cross – Passion, Chris Tomlin
There’s a place where sin and shame
Are powerless
Where my heart has peace with God
And forgiveness
Where all the love I’ve ever found
Comes like a flood
Comes flowing down
These lyrics speak of a place where sin and shame are powerless, and the speaker finds peace with God and forgiveness. The lyrics describe this place as one where all the love [they have] ever found comes like a flood, which speaks to the idea that divine love and mercy can saturate us in our times of need and provide the ultimate healing.
Ultimately, these lyrics are an expression of gratitude for divine forgiveness that surpasses all understanding, something we cannot access without allowing ourselves to be vulnerable before God in repentance. As Ephesians 4:32 reads
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”;
Mathew 5:7 states
“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy”;
and Mark 11:25 says
“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone”
– we can only receive such forgiveness when we surrender our pride and allow ourselves to come before Him with open arms.
7. Awe – Jesus Culture, Chris Quilala
Where there was fear, now there is freedom
When I was lost, You made a way
Now mercy triumphs over judgment
When You rose
When You rose up from that grave
When You rose
When You rose up from that grave
These lyrics express the idea that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, individuals can experience freedom from fear, and mercy triumphs over judgment. This idea relates to the Bible’s teaching of the redemption and forgiveness that is available through faith in Jesus Christ. These lyrics speak to the idea that Jesus’ resurrection brings about freedom from fear and a new way to approach forgiveness. The lyrics suggest that with the Resurrection, mercy now triumphs over judgment – something that was not possible prior to Jesus’ self-sacrifice. Ephesians 4:31 reads
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice”
1 John 1:9 states
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness”;
And Matthew 6:14 says “
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you”.
In summary, these lyrics express the idea that through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals can experience freedom from fear, guilt, and judgment, and can experience God’s mercy and forgiveness, and that the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate proof of his power over sin and death. This idea is consistent with the central teachings of the Bible, that through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be redeemed and forgiven and that Jesus’ resurrection is the ultimate proof of his power over sin and death.
8. He Lives – Church Of The City, Chris McClarney
You took all our shame
Left it in the grave
we’re forgiven, we’re forgiven
The work forever done,
only by the blood
It is finished, it is finished
These lyrics express the belief that through the death of Jesus Christ, the shame and guilt associated with sin has been taken away and replaced with forgiveness. The phrase “You took all our shame, left it in the grave” is a reference to the belief that through Jesus’ death on the cross, our shame and guilt for our sins has been taken away and left in the grave. This idea is rooted in passages such as Hebrews 9:26-28 which states
“But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
The phrase “we’re forgiven, we’re forgiven” expresses the idea that through Jesus’ death on the cross, believers are forgiven for their sins. This idea is consistent with the Bible’s teaching that through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals can be forgiven for their sins, for example, Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.”
The phrase “The work forever done, only by the blood” suggests that the forgiveness of sins can only be obtained through the shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross. This idea is consistent with the Bible’s teaching that Jesus’ death on the cross was necessary for the forgiveness of sins.
Finally, the phrase “It is finished, it is finished” is a reference to Jesus’ words on the cross, just before he died. According to John 19:30, Jesus said “It is finished,” which is interpreted as meaning that the work of redemption and forgiveness was completed through his death on the cross.
In summary, these lyrics express the belief that through the death of Jesus Christ, the shame and guilt associated with sin has been taken away and replaced with forgiveness. This idea is rooted in the Bible’s teaching that through faith in Jesus Christ, individuals can be forgiven for their sins, and that the forgiveness of sins can only be obtained through the shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross and his death on the cross completed the work of redemption and forgiveness.
9. There Was Jesus – Zach Williams, Dolly Parton
For this man who needs
amazing kind of grace
For forgiveness at a
price I couldn’t pay
I’m not perfect so I thank
God every day
There was Jesus
These lyrics emphasize that although we are not perfect and have sinned against God, He still offers us amazing grace and forgiveness. This idea is expressed in 2 Corinthians 5:17 which reads
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come”
indicating that through faith in Jesus our sins can be washed away and transformed. Also, these lyrics suggest that it was only possible to receive forgiveness at a price I couldn’t pay – a concept established by Romans 6:23 which states
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”.
These lines offer a reminder to be thankful for God’s mercy and grace every day – a notion echoed in 1 Chronicles 16:34 which says
“Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”.
Finally, the phrase “There was Jesus” is a statement of faith in Jesus as the source of forgiveness, grace, and salvation. This idea is consistent with the Bible’s teaching that Jesus is the only means of salvation, for example, in John 14:6, “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
10. Ready Or Not – Hillsong UNITED
There’s no place like His presence
There’s no time like the now
Every one two or three of us
Count Him in here and now
‘Cause He welcomes the broken
He’s alright with your past
He’s not mad at any one of us
But He waits with open arms
The last worship song about forgiveness on our list is “Ready Or Not.” These lyrics emphasize that God welcomes the broken and is always ready to forgive those who ask for it. John 6:37 states “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” indicating God’s welcoming attitude towards those in need of His grace. Additionally, these lyrics suggest that He is alright with our past, a concept established by Psalm 103:12 which reads
“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us”.
Furthermore, the phrase “He’s not mad at any one of us, But He waits with open arms” suggests that God is not angry or resentful towards people for their past mistakes, but instead He waits with open arms to forgive and accept them. This idea is consistent with the Bible’s teaching that God’s love and mercy towards people is abundant and that He is always ready to forgive those who repent, for example, Isaiah 55:7
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him
Tutorials For Worship Songs About Forgiveness (And Hundreds More)
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As you’re exploring these powerful worship songs about forgiveness, we recognize the importance of having the right resources to support our worship. That’s why, to take your worship experience to the next level, we highly recommend you to check out WorshipOnline.com.
Our online platform provides high-quality, professionally recorded tutorials, lessons, chord charts and tabs for these and hundreds more. You can perfectly learn your instrument and vocal harmony parts in minutes, not hours.
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