To Jordan Came Our Lord, The Christ
Words and music by Martin Luther · tr. Richard Massie · 1541
Key of C · 120 BPM · 4/4 · Adam,Baptism,Blood · Mt 3:13-17
Verse 1
To 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.
Verse 2
So 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.
Verse 3
To 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
well-beloved Son, In whom My soul delighteth; Hear Him." Yea, hear Him every
very one Whom He Himself inviteth, Hear and obey His teaching.
Verse 4
In 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.
Verse 5
Thus Jesus His disciples sent: Go teach ye every nation, That
lost in sin they must repent; And flee from condemnation: He that believes
lieves and is baptized, Obtains a mighty blessing; A newborn man, no more
he dies, Eternal life possessing, A joyful heir of Heaven.
Public domain — free for any use, anywhere, forever.