Faith comes by hearing God’s record
concerning Jesus Christ the Lord;
the happy means, which heav’n hath blessed
to bring us to the gospel-rest.
The joyful sound is news of grace,
redemption of a fallen race,
through Jesus’ righteousness divine,
which bright from faith to faith doth shine.
The promise of immortal bliss
we have in Christ our righteousness:
by this our righteousness is bought,
faith pleads that right, but buys it not.
True faith receives the offer’d good
and promise sealed with Jesus blood.
Faith gives no title to the bliss,
but takes the Savior’s righteousness.
In the Redeemer, as my head,
the covenant is established:
in him the promises are Yea,
in him Amen, and not in me.
Ralph Erskine (1685-1752)
Suitable tunes for this hymn:
- Duke Street (Jesus Shall Reign)
- Germany (Jesus Thy Blood and Righteousness)
- Old 100th (Psalm 100)
Dan Greenfield 