The Lord Himself did bear

1 The Lord Himself did bear
The load of our transgression,
Which caused Him endless pain
And grief beyond expression.
What would have brought on us
A torture without end
The death of Jesus Christ
In mercy did forfend.

2 We all considered Him
As one of God forsaken;
Nor realized that He
For us these strips had taken.
Yet all this bitter cup
Was caused by sinful deeds
Which we ourselves had done,
As we must now concede.

3 On Him was laid the debt;
To us the freedom given.
He satisfies the soul
With healing pow’r from Heaven.
We all had gone astray,
Without a shepherd’s care;
He brought us to His fold
When he our sins did bear.

4 And as a patient lamb
Is led unto its slaughter
From pastures fresh and green
And from the fountain’s water;
So suffered Christ for us
The death on yonder cross,
Redeemed us with his blood
From sin, distress and loss.

5 Thy conflict is our peace.
Thy death is our salvation,
Thy bonds, our liberty,
Thy pains, our consolation.
Thy cross doth comfort give,
Thy wounds, a balm that heals.
Thy blood a ransom is,
Thy Word a hope reveals.

6 Lord, help and make us brave
To bear our cross and burden,
That we may not grow faint
Nor yet give up the battle.
Yea, from Thy crown of thorns
Let us our courage take,
That through reproach and shame
We ne’er Thy ways forsake.


Source: Zion's Harp: a collection of hymns and songs for the Apostolic Christian Church of America #44