Lutheran Service Book ‎#508

508. The Day Is Surely Drawing Near

1 The day is surely drawing near
When Jesus, God's anointed,
In all His power shall appear
As judge whom God appointed.
Then fright shall banish idle mirth,
And flames on flames shall ravage earth
As Scripture long has warned us.

2 The final trumpet then shall sound
And all the earth be shaken,
And all who rest beneath the ground
Shall from their sleep awaken.
But all who live will in that hour,
By God's almighty, boundless pow'r,
Be changed at His commanding.

3 The books are 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 May Christ our intercessor be
And through His blood and merit
Read from His book that we are free
With all who life inherit.
Then we shall see Him face to face,
With all His saints in that blest place
Which He has purchased for us.

7 O Jesus Christ, do not delay,
But hasten our salvation;
We often tremble on our way
In fear and tribulation.
O hear and grant our fervent plea;
Come, mighty judge, and make us free
From death and ev'ry evil.

Text Information

• First Line: The day is surely drawing near
• Title: The Day Is Surely Drawing Near
• Author: Bartholomaüs Ringwaldt, 1532-99
• Translator: Philip A. Peter, 1832-1919 (alt. )
• Meter: 87 87 887
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2006
• Scripture:
  Luke 21:25-36
  ;
  Matthew 25:31-46
  ;
  1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
  ;
  1 Corinthians 15:51-57
• Topic: End Times; Church Militant

Tune Information

• Name: ES IST GEWISSLICH
• Meter: 87 87 887
• Key: G Major
• Source: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941 (Setting)