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!