Forgiven
One of the 94 hymns we sing together at Cornerstone Reformed Baptist Church on the Gold Coast. Browse the full hymnbook.
Lyrics
Verse 1
Lord, forgive us for our pride
When our faith becomes a show
Dressed in righteous deeds to hide
All the stains below
We have judged Your sons and daughters
For the sin that is our own
May we now forgive each other
And lay down our stones
Chorus
Forgiven, forgiven
Through the blood of Christ
We are forgiven
Verse 2
Lord, forgive us for our love
Of the things we wish to own
We forsake the feast above
For all the crumbs below
Though You’ve made us sons and daughter
We do not the world disown
May we find our greatest treasure
Is in You alone
Verse 3
Lord, forgive us for our shame
When we can’t release the past
When we’re quick to take the blame
But forget we’re free at last
We avoid Your sons and daughters
For the fear we don’t belong
Give us eyes to see each other
Through Your only Son
Behind the Hymn
"Forgiven" was written by Kate DeGraide and Rebecca Elliott, songwriters connected to the life and ministry of Grace Church and the broader Reformed Baptist community. The hymn is a personal declaration of the freedom and joy that comes from knowing one's sins are fully and permanently forgiven through the blood of Christ. Its lyrics reflect the New Testament teaching of justification — that God declares sinners righteous not because of their own merit but because of Christ's perfect life and substitutionary death credited to their account. The song draws on passages like Psalm 103:12 ("As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us") and Romans 8:1 ("There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus"). DeGraide and Elliott crafted the hymn to serve as both a testimony and a teaching tool, helping congregations internalize the doctrine of forgiveness through singing. The personal, accessible language makes it a powerful song for believers struggling with guilt or doubt about their standing before God.