American Lutheran Hymnal ‎#432

432. In Death's Strong Grasp The Savior Lay

1 In death's strong grasp the Savior lay,
For our offences given;
But, rising from the grave today,
He brings us life from heaven.
O let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our God and Lord
And shout glad hallelujahs.
Hallelujah!

2 No human pow'r could conquer death,
Such mischief sin had wrought us.
We were condemned to yield our breath,
To thraldom death had bro't us.
Our enemy both strong and bold,
Had fettered us in days of old
And held us all in bondage.
Hallelujah!

3 But Jesus, God's eternal Son,
The Source of our salvation,
For us the mighty battle won
And saved us from damnation.
Now death on us has lost his claim,
Christ Jesus bore our sin and blame,
The sting of death removing.
Hallelujah!

4 In Christ the Paschal Lamb we see,
Which God so freely gave us;
In ardent love upon the tree
He suffered death to save us.
The blood of Christ doth mark our door;
Faith points to it, and nevermore
Can death alarm or claim us.
Hallelujah!

5 So let us keep this festal day
With heartfelt joy and gladness;
Christ is the Sun that drives away
The clouds of grief and sadness.
The brightness of His saving grace
Within our hearts has found a place;
The night of sin is banished.
Hallelujah!

6 Then let us of that Bread partake,
Come down to us from heaven.
With Christ arise, your sins forsake,
Purge out the evil leaven.
On Christ alone our souls will feed,
He is the meat and drink we need;
Our faith demands no other.
Hallelujah!

Text Information

• First Line: In death's strong grasp the Savior lay
• Title: In Death's Strong Grasp The Savior Lay
• Author: Martin Luther (1524)
• Meter: 8 7 8 7 7 8 7 4
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1930
• Topic: The Church Year: Easter
• Source: Tr. Composite

Tune Information

• Name: TORGAU
• Adapter: Johann Walther (1524)
• Meter: 8 7 8 7 7 8 7 4
• Key: d minor or modal
• Source: From the 12th Century; German chorale: Christ lag in Todesbanden