The Lutheran Hymnary ‎#401

401. Yea, as I live, Jehovah saith

1 Yea, as I live, Jehovah saith,
I would not have the sinner's death.
Far rather 'tis My holy will,
That in his course he should stand still.
Repentant sinners I forgive,
Then let them hear, believe, and live.

2 Think of this word, O guilty soul!
Despair not: Christ can make thee whole,
In Him there's pardon, peace, and grace;
A sure and blessed hiding-place.
The covenant, confirmed by blood,
Doth stand upon the oath of God.

3 O trifle not the time away!
Say not, "I'll come another day."
Say not, "I'll have my soul's desire,
And turn when of the world I tire."
Say not, "I'll then converted be,
God will be merciful to me."

4 'Tis true that God is rich in grace,--
Beholding His Anointed's face.
The blood of Christ atoned for sin,
He died eternal life to win;
Yet God doth not vouchsafe to say
That thou shalt live "another day."

5 O hasten, sinner, to be wise!
Nor dare God's message to despise.
He who this hour supplies thy breath,
The next, may give thee o'er to death.
And if thy sins are not forgiven,
Thou'lt never, never enter heaven.

6 Then cry: "Lord Jesus, help Thou me,
This very day I come to Thee!
O give me peace, and from this hour
Deliver me from Satan's power;
That henceforth and eternally,
Thyself my all in all may be!"

Text Information

• First Line: Yea, as I live, Jehovah saith
• Author: J. Heermann (1630)
• Meter: 8s. 6L.
• Publication Date: 1913
• Topic: The Church Year: Third Sunday after Trinity; Conversion; Invitation

Tune Information

• Name: [Yea, as I live, Jehovah saith]
• Meter: 8s. 6L.
• Key: B♭ Major
• Source: Schumann's Gesangbuch, 1539