I had no righteousness to call my own
No worthiness to bow before His throne
Though I'd lived a life trying to do right
I was still so far from perfect in God's eyes
There was nothing I could do to take away my guilt and shame
And justice said my death was the price I'd have to pay

[Chorus]
But (When) mercy stepped in and stood in my place
Mercy saw my need and covered me with grace
An old rugged cross was the sentence I deserved
Yet I was spared the penalty of sin when mercy stepped in

God knows the road you've walked, He knows your heart
No matter where you've been or who you are
When He hears your cry, He'll draw you to His side
And I know the sweet forgiveness you will find
For when I was still a prisoner bound by earthly chains
God in His sweet love came and tore them all the way

(Repeat Chorus)

[Bridge]
Someday I'll stand in heaven
Just outside the pearly gates
When they ask me why I should enter
I will say, I will say

(Repeat Chorus)

An old rugged cross was the sentence I deserved
Yet I was spared the penalty of sin when mercy stepped in

Mercy stepped in