1. If Thy beloved Son, O God,
   Had not to earth descended
   And in our mortal flesh and blood
   Had not sin’s power ended,
   Then this poor, wretched soul of mine
   In hell eternally would pine
   Because of its transgression.

2. But now I find sweet peace and rest;
   Despair no more reigns o’er me;
   No more am I by sin oppressed,
   For Christ has borne sin for me.
   Upon the cross for me He died
   That, reconciled, I might abide
   With Thee, my God, forever.

3. I trust in Him with all my heart;
   Now all my sorrow ceases;
   His words abiding peace impart;
   His blood from guilt releases.
   Free grace through Him I now obtain;
   He washes me from ev’ry stain,
   And pure I stand before Him.

4. Saved through my Savior’s precious blood
   I am rejoicing ever.
   Naught from Thy grace, O Lord, my God,
   My ransomed soul can sever.
   All that my blest Redeemer’s death
   Hath won for me, is mine through faith.
   And Satan cannot harm me.

5. All righteousness by works is vain,
   The Law brings condemnation;
   True righteousness by faith I gain,
   Christ’s work is my salvation.
   His death, that perfect sacrifice,
   Has paid the all-sufficient price;
   In Him my hope is anchored.

6. My guilt, O Father, Thou hast laid
   On Christ, Thy Son, my Savior.
   Lord Jesus, Thou my debt hast paid
   And gained for me God’s favor.
   O Holy Ghost, Thou Fount of grace,
   The good in me to Thee I trace;
   In faith do Thou preserve me.

Wenn dein Herzliebster Sohn, o Gott
Sts. 1–5, Johann Herman, 1630
St. 6, anon., 1661
Tr. composite
Source: Sts. 1–3, 5–6, The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, No. 375
St. 4, The Selah Song Book, 1926, No. 340