Himself He could not save

Himself He could not save

He on the cross must die

Or mercy could not come

To ruined sinners nigh;

Yes

Christ

the Son of God

must bleed

That sinners might from sin be freed.

Himself He could not save

For justice must be done;

Our sins’ full weight must fall

Upon the sinless One;

For nothing less can God accept

In payment of that fearful debt.

Himself He could not save

For He the Surety stood

For all who now rely

Upon His precious blood;

He bore the penalty of guilt

When on the cross His blood was spilt.

Himself He could not save

What wondrous love is this!

In love Himself He gave

There ne’er was love like His!

Such love should melt a heart of stone

Till praise flows forth to Him alone!