To Jordan Came Our Lord, The Christ

Words

1. 1To Jordan came our Lord the Christ, To do God's pleasure willing, And there was by Saint John baptized, All righteousness fulfilling; There did He consecrate a bath To wash away transgression, And quench the bitterness of death By His own blood and passion; He would a new life give us.
2. 2So hear ye all, and well perceive What God doth call baptism, And what a Christian should believe Who error shuns and schism: That we should water use, the Lord Declareth it His pleasure; Not simple water, but the Word And Spirit without measure; He is the true Baptizer.
3. 3To show us this, He hath His Word With signs and symbols given; On Jordan's banks was plainly heard The Father's voice from Heaven: "This is My wellbeloved Son, In whom My soul delighteth; Hear Him." Yea, hear Him every one Whom He Himself inviteth, Hear and obey His teaching.
4. 4In tender manhood Jesus straight To holy Jordan wendeth; The Holy Ghost from Heaven's gate In dovelike shape descendeth; That thus the truth be not denied, Nor should our faith e'er waver, That the Three Persons all preside, At baptism's holy laver, And dwell with the believer.
5. 5Thus Jesus His disciples sent: Go teach ye every nation, That lost in sin they must repent; And flee from condemnation: He that believes and is baptized, Obtains a mighty blessing; A newborn man, no more he dies, Eternal life possessing, A joyful heir of Heaven.