Christian Worship ‎#656

656. As Surely As I Live, God Said

1 "As surely as I live," God said,
"I would not see the sinner dead.
but that he turn from error’s ways,
repent, and live through endless days."

2 And so our Lord gave this command:
"Go forth and preach in ev'ry land;
bestow on all my pard'ning grace
who will repent of sinful ways.

3 "All those whose sins you thus remit
I truly pardon and acquit,
and those whose sins you do retain
condemned and guilty shall remain.

4 "What you will bind, that bound shall be;
what you will loose, that shall be free;
unto my Church the keys are giv'n
to op'n and close the gates of heav'n."

5 The words which absolution give
are his who died that we might live;
the minister whom Christ has sent
is but His humble instrument.

6 When ministers lay on their hands,
absolved by Christ the sinner stands;
he who by grace the Word believes
forgiveness, sure and sweet, receives.

7 Praise God the Father and the Son
and Holy Spirit, Three in One,
as was, is now, and so shall be
forever and eternally!

Text Information

• First Line: "As surely as I live," God said
• Title: As Surely As I Live, God Said
• Author: Nicolaus Herman, c. 1480-1561 (abr.)
• Translator: Matthias Loy, 1828-1915 (alt.)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2021
• Scripture:
  Matthew 16:19
  ;
  John 20:22-23
  ;
  Ezekiel 33:11
  ;
  1 Timothy 2:4
• Topic: Confession and Absolution
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: ST. LUKE
• Composer: Jeremiah Clarke, c. 1674-1707
• Meter: LM
• Key: f minor
• Source: Setting: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, alt.
• Copyright: Public Domain