The Lutheran Hymnal ‎#331

331. Yea, as I Live, Jehovah Saith

1 Yea, as I live, Jehovah saith,
I would not have the sinner's death,
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 and mend their ways.

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

4 "What ye shall bind, that bound shall be;
What ye shall loose, that shall be free;
Unto My Church the keys are giv'n
To ope 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
The purchase of His blood receives.

7 All praise, eternal Son, to Thee
For absolution full and free,
In which Thou showest forth Thy grace;
From false indulgence guard our race.

8 Praise God the Father and the Son
And Holy Spirit, Three in One,
As 'twas, is now, and so shall be
World without end, eternally!

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Yea, as I live, Jehovah saith
• Title: Yea, as I Live, Jehovah Saith
• German Title: so wahr ich leb', spricht Gott der Herr
• Translator: Matthias Loy (1880, alt.)
• Author: Nikolaus Herman (1500, cento)
• Meter: L.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1941
• Scripture:
  Ezekiel 33:11
• Topic: Confession and Absolution

Tune Information

• Name: ST. LUKE
• Composer: Jeremiah Clarke, d. 1707
• Meter: L.M.
• Key: f minor