Jesus Freely Died for Me

Once I was a slave to sin,
Child of hell, and dead within,
But the Lord in kindness sought,
And his blood my pardon bought;
Once I dwelt in darkest night,
Blind but hating heaven’s light;
Now with eyes of faith I see:
Jesus freely died for me.

When the tempter doth entice
Back to ev’ry once-loved vice,
When th’ accuser sin recalls
Which should ban from heaven’s rolls,
I’ve an advocate above;
E’er he intercedes in love;
Ere the bar he bids me plea,
“Jesus freely died for me.”

When I find my cross to bear,
Then I trust my master’s care;
He has all-sufficient grace
For each trial I must face.
He that drained th’ afflicting cup
Bids me fill his suff’ring up,
Yet this balm shall comfort be:
“Jesus freely died for me.”

When at last my fight is done,
When at last my race is run,
When at last the thorny crown,
Changed to laurel, is mine own,
When I hear the blessed word:
“Faithful one, enjoy thy Lord,”
Free at last, my song shall be:
“Jesus died, and lives, for me.”