Classic Christian Hymns · Public-domain text

I Am, saith CHRIST our glorious head

John Newton

An English Anglican cleric and former slave ship captain (1725–1807). After surviving a terrifying storm at sea where he cried out to God for mercy, he experienced a profound spiritual awakening. He later became a leading voice in the abolitionist movement, partnering with William Wilberforce to end the slave trade in Britain. His legendary hymn, 'Amazing Grace', was written to illustrate a New Year's sermon in 1773, reflecting his personal awe at how God's grace could rescue and redeem a 'wretch' like him.

Source: Olney Hymns

"I Am, saith CHRIST our glorious head,
(May we attention give)
The resurrection of the dead,
The life of all that live.
By faith in me, the soul receives
New life, though dead before;
And he that in my name believes,
Shall live, to die no more.
The sinner, sleeping in his grave,
Shall at my voice awake;
And when I once begin to save,
My work I ne'er forsake."
Fulfill thy promise, gracious LORD,
On us assembled here,
Put forth thy Spirit with the word,
And cause the dead to hear.
Preserve the pow'r of faith alive,
In those who love thy name;
145 For sin and Satan daily strive
To quench the sacred flame.
Thy pow'r and mercy first prevailed
From death to set us free;
And often since our life had failed,
If not renewed by thee.
To thee we look, to thee we bow;
To thee, for help, we call;
Our life and resurrection thou,
Our hope, our joy, our all.