Hymn 28

Melody

Salvation unto us has come
by God’s free grace and favour.
Our works cannot avert our doom;
the law can save us never.
Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone,
who for his people did atone;
he is our one Redeemer.
What God did in his law demand
and none to him could render
caused wrath and woe on every hand
for man, the vile offender.
Our flesh has not the pure desires
God’s holy law of us requires,
and lost is our condition.
From sin our flesh could not abstain;
sin held its sway unceasing.
The task was hopeless and in vain;
our guilt was e’er increasing.
None can remove sin’s poisoned dart
or purify our guileful heart,
so deep is our corruption.
Yet as the law must be fulfilled
or we must die despairing,
Christ Jesus came, God’s wrath he stilled,
our human nature sharing.
The law he has for us obeyed
and thus the Father’s vengeance stayed
which over us impended.
Christ Jesus full atonement made
and brought to us salvation.
Each Christian therefore may be glad
and build on this foundation.
Thy grace alone, O LORD, I plead.
Thy death is now my life indeed,
for thou hast paid my ransom.
Faith clings to Jesus’ work alone
and rests in him unceasing;
and by its fruits true faith is known,
with love and hope increasing.
By faith alone we’re justified;
works serve the neighbour and supply
the proof that faith is living.
All blessing, honour, thanks, and praise
to Father, Son, and Spirit,
the God who saved us by his grace;
all glory to his merit!
O Triune God in heav’n above,
who hast revealed thy saving love,
thy blessèd name be hallowed.