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!