1 

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.

 2 

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.

 3 

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.

 4 

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!