Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary ‎#417

417. "So Truly As I Live," God Saith

1 "So truly as I love," God 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 They who believe when ye proclaim
The joyful tidings in My name
that I for them My blood have shed,
Are free from guilt and Judgment dread.

6 The words which absolution give
Are His who died that we might live;
The minister whom Christ has sent
Is but His humble instrument.

7 However great our sin may be,
The absolution sets us free,
Appointed by God's own dear son
To bring the pardon He has won.

8 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.

9 This is the pow'r of Holy Keys,
It binds and doth again release;
The Church e'er has them at her side,
Our Mother and Christ's holy Bride.

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

11 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!

Text Information

• First Line: "So truly as I live," God saith
• Title: "So Truly As I Live," God Saith
• German Title: So wahr ich leb, spricht Gott, der Herr
• Author: N. Herman, c. 1480-1561
• Translator: M. Loy, 1828-1915 (alt.)
• Meter: 88 88
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1996
• Topic: Evangelism: Lost Sheep; Trinity 3

Tune Information

• Name: SO WAHR ICH LEB
• Composer: J. G. Schott (c. 1603, alt)
• Meter: 88 88
• Key: e minor