A Christian now baptized

1 A Christian now baptized,
To me much grace is given.
Why was this granted me?
That I with Christ am risen!
This is the holy aim;
He who does this neglect
Cannot in truth proclaim;
“I’m one of God’s elect.”

2 I’m baptized in Christ’s name
And in His death I’m buried;
How should I further bear
The load so long I carried?
Thou, Lord, art He who died
And who arose again;
Therefore, in holiness
Through life I will remain.

3 Baptized I feel His grace
My sinful mind subduing;
And look in all distress
To God, my faith renewing.
Thou art the central force,
Help me to manifest
What true baptism means
And what it should attest.

4 O grant me now Thy grace
That I, with true devotion,
May ever by Thee stand,
Though stormy be life’s ocean.
And with Thy blessing, Lord,
May I in faith remain,
And to that kingdom come
Where peace shall ever reign.

5 Baptized am I; now may
This truth the whole world ponder.
I live no more as they
Who in deep darkness wander;
Baptism urges me
That I by constant prayer
Resist the enemy
With power, everywhere.

6 Baptized am I; now shall
No wayward thought of erring
Cast o’er my heart a spell,
My soul to evil snaring.
For what may tempt my heart,
And every sinful pride,
Upon Thy cross, O Lord,
Shall hence be crucified.

7 Now grant to me Thy power
So that I may not waver,
And bless me every hour,
O my beloved Saviour,
Thus shall I safely fare
Upon this blessed way,
And reach the city where
Thy peace shall reach for aye.


Source: Zion's Harp: a collection of hymns and songs for the Apostolic Christian Church of America #43