"As Surely as I Live," God Said

Verse 1

"As surely as I live," God said, "I would not see the sinner dead. but that he turn from error’s ways, repent, and live through endless days."

Verse 2

And so our Lord gave this command: "Go forth and preach in ev'ry land; bestow on all my pard'ning grace who will repent of sinful ways.

Verse 3

"All those whose sins you thus remit I truly pardon and acquit, and those whose sins you do retain condemned and guilty shall remain.

Verse 4

"What you will bind, that bound shall be; what you will loose, that shall be free; unto my Church the keys are giv'n to op'n and close the gates of heav'n."

Verse 5

The words which absolution give are his who died that we might live; the minister whom Christ has sent is but His humble instrument.

Verse 6

When ministers lay on their hands, absolved by Christ the sinner stands; he who by grace the Word believes forgiveness, sure and sweet, receives.

Verse 7

Praise God the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit, Three in One, as was, is now, and so shall be forever and eternally!