I lived for myself It was written on my face Now staring in my mirror A portrait of disgrace My accuser was always awaiting Every time I killed the lights He called out my verdict But I called out to Christ He took my place On a cross at Calvary He took my pain In his hands and his feet Mercy or justice Heaven or hell I took forgiveness He took the nails God offered his son So the whole-wide world could know The gift that keeps on giving The only real hero From Earth's sorrow to Heaven's glory Jesus gave his very best His love was proven for me When He loved me to death He took my place On a cross at Calvary He took my pain In his hands and his feet Mercy or justice Heaven or hell I took forgiveness He took the nails Mercy or justice Heaven or hell I took forgiveness He took the nails