1 The day is surely drawing near
When God's Son, the Anointed,
Shall with great majesty appear
As judge of all appointed.
All mirth and laughter then shall cease
When flames on flames will still increase,
As Scripture truly teaches.
2 A trumpet loud shall then resound
And all the earth be shaken.
Then all who in their graves are found
Shall from their sleep awaken
And with the living in that hour
By the Almighty's boundless pow'r
Be changed at his commanding.
3 A book is opened then to all,
A record truly telling
What each has done, both great and small,
When he on earth was dwelling,
And ev'ry heart be clearly seen,
And all be known as they have been
In thoughts and words and actions.
4 Then woe to those who scorned the Lord
And sought but carnal pleasures,
Who here despised his precious Word
And loved their earthly treasures!
With shame and trembling they will stand
And at the judge's stern command
To Satan be delivered.
5 My Savior paid the debt I owe
And for my sin was smitten;
Within the Book of Life I know
My name has now been written.
I will not doubt, for I am free,
And Satan cannot threaten me;
There is no condemnation!
6 O Jesus Christ, do not delay,
But hasten our salvation;
We often tremble on our way
In fear and tribulation.
Your saints are waiting patiently;
Come soon, Redeemer; make us free
From ev'ry evil. Amen.