Christian Worship (1993) ‎#308

308. As Surely As I Live, God Said

1 "As surely as I live," God said,
"I would not have the sinner dead,
But that he turn from error's ways,
Repent, and live through endless days."

2 To us, therefore, Christ gave 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: Nikolaus Herman, c. 1480-1561 (abr.)
• Translator: Matthias Loy, 1828-1915 (alt.)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1993
• Topic: Confession and Absolution

Tune Information

• Name: ST. LUKE
• Composer: Jeremiah Clarke, c. 1674-1707
• Meter: LM
• Key: f minor