The Look

I saw one hanging on a tree in agony and blood
Who fixed His loving eyes on me
As near His cross I stood
And never till my dying breath will I forget that look
It seemed to change me with His death
though not a word he spoke

My conscience felt and owned the guilt
And plunged me in despair
I saw my sins His blood had spilt
And helped to nail Him there
But with a second look He said
"I freely all forgive
This blood is for your ransom paid
I died that you might live."

Thus while His death my sin displays
For all the world to view
Such is the mystery of grace
It seals my pardon too
With pleasing grief and mournful joy
My spirit now is filled
That I should such a life destroy
Yet live by Him I killed

Forever etched upon my mind
Is the look of Him who died
The Lamb I crucified
And now my life will sing the praise
Of pure atoning grace
That looked on me and
gladly took my place

-John Newton (additional lyrics by Bob Kauflin)