Moravian Book of Worship ‎#768

768. 'Tis the Most Blessed and Needful Part

1 ‘Tis the most blessed and needful part
to have in Christ a share,
and to commit our way and heart
unto his faithful care;
this done, our steps are safe and sure,
our hearts’ desires are rendered pure,
and naught can pluck us from his hand,
which lead us to the end.

2 Naught in this world affords true rest
but Christ’s atoning blood.
This purifies the guilty breast,
and reconciles to God.
Hence flows unfeigned love to him
who came lost sinners to redeem,
and Christ our Savior now appears
daily to us more dear.

3 My lasting joy and comfort here
is Jesus’ death and blood;
I with this passport can appear
before the throne of God.
Admitted to the realms above,
I then shall see the Christ I love,
where countless pardoned sinners meet
adoring at his feet.

Text Information

• First Line: 'Tis the most blessed and needful part
• Title: 'Tis the Most Blessed and Needful Part
• Author (stanza 1): Christian Renatus von Zinzendorf (1747)
• Author (stanza 2,3): Christian Gregor (1778)
• Translator: Philip Heinrich Molthar (1789, alt.)
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8.8.6. Iambic
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  John 10:27-29
• Topic: Atonement; Christ--Atonement; Life in Christ; Salvation

Tune Information

• Name: WORSHIP
• Meter: 8.6.8.6.8.8.8.6. Iambic
• Key: A♭ Major
• Source: Adopted at Herrnhut (c. 1740); C. Gregor Choralbuch (1784)
• Notes: 159 A in 1891 Offices of Worship and Hymns