We never move past the need to meditate deeply on the suffering that Jesus endured for our sins. Without reflecting often on the unjust suffering of our glorious friend and king we can easily slide further and further into complacency and be unaffected by the magnitude of what took place at Calvary. The spotless Lamb of God died for us – unworthy, helpless sinners entrenched in our rebellion, intent on slaying Him and usurping His authority over us. The song begins by inviting all to come and behold Jesus dying on the cross that they might find the endless and abiding love of God. The chorus answers this invitation, declaring that we will indeed come and remember that mercy moved God to satisfy the demands of righteousness by sending His own Son to bear the punishment for our sins. In the second verse, we cry with hymn-writer John Newton that the cross might continue to pierce our hearts as we remember that it was for our sins that Jesus suffered and died.
LyricsVerse 1:
Come, sinners, view the Lamb of God,
Wounded and dying, bathed in blood!
Behold His side, and venture near,
The well of endless life is here.
Here I forget my cares and pains
And find a drink whose pow'r remains;
Only the fountain-head above
Can satisfy the thirst of love.
Chorus:
So I will come and view the cross
Where mercy answered righteousness;
The spotless Lamb of God was slain
For this unworthy, helpless sinner's gain!
Verse 2:
His thorns and nails pierce through my heart,
In ev'ry groan I bear a part;
I view His wounds with streaming eyes:
But see! He bows His head and dies!
Oh that I thus could always feel!
Lord, more and more Your love reveal!
Then my glad tongue shall loud proclaim
The grace and glory of Your name.
Words by John Newton (1725-1807) & David L. Ward. Music by David L. Ward.
© 2008 HymnicityCCLI Song #5270868
Come, sinners, view the Lamb of God,
Wounded and dying, bathed in blood!
Behold His side, and venture near,
The well of endless life is here.
Here I forget my cares and pains
And find a drink whose pow'r remains;
Only the fountain-head above
Can satisfy the thirst of love.
Chorus:
So I will come and view the cross
Where mercy answered righteousness;
The spotless Lamb of God was slain
For this unworthy, helpless sinner's gain!
Verse 2:
His thorns and nails pierce through my heart,
In ev'ry groan I bear a part;
I view His wounds with streaming eyes:
But see! He bows His head and dies!
Oh that I thus could always feel!
Lord, more and more Your love reveal!
Then my glad tongue shall loud proclaim
The grace and glory of Your name.
© 2008 Hymnicity