The Chorale Book for England ‎#60

60. In Death's strong grasp the Saviour lay

In Death's strong grasp the Saviour lay,
For our offences given;
But now the Lord is risen to-day,
And brings us life from heaven;
Wherefore let us all rejoice
And praise our God with cheerful voice,
And sing loud Hallelujahs.--Hallelujah!

No son of man could conquer Death,
Such mischief sin had wrought us,
For innocence dwelt not on earth,
And therefore Death had brought us
Into thraldom from of old,
And ever grew more strong and bold,
His shadow lay athwart us.--Hallelujah!

But Jesus Christ, God's only Son,
Hath come to conquer for us,
Hath put away our sins, and won
Death's power and title o'er us.
Now 'tis but his form is left,
For of his sting he is bereft
Since Jesus will restore us.--Hallelujah!

It was a wondrous war, I trow,
When Life and Death contended;
But Life hath triumphed o'er the foe,
The reign of Death is ended;
Yea, 'tis as the Scripture saith,
That Christ in dying conquered Death,
And from his realm ascended.--Hallelujah!

Then let us keep the feast to-day
That God Himself hath given;
And His pure Word shall do away
The old and evil leaven;
Christ to-day will meet His own,
And faith will feed on Him alone,
The Living Bread from heaven.--Hallelujah!

Text Information

• First Line: In Death's strong grasp the Saviour lay
• Title: In Death's strong grasp the Saviour lay
• German Title: Christ lag in Todesbanden
• Author: Luther (1524)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1863

Tune Information

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