Christ’s Dying, Rising, and Reigning

He dies! the friend of sinners dies!
Lo! Salem’s daughters weep around;

He dies! the friend of sinners dies!
Lo! Salem’s daughters weep around;
A solemn darkness veils the skies;
A sudden trembling shakes the ground.

Come, saints, and drop a tear or two
For him who groaned beneath your load:
He shed a thousand drops for you,
A thousand drops of richer blood.

Here’s love and grief beyond degree,
The Lord of glory dies for men!
But lo! what sudden joys we see;
Jesus the dead revives again!

The rising God forsakes the tomb!
The tomb in vain forbids his rise;
Cherubic legions guard him home,
And shout him welcome to the skies

Break off your fears, ye saints, and tell
How high our great Deliv’rer reigns;
Sing how he spoiled the hosts of hell,
And led the monster Death in chains.

Say, “Live for ever, wondrous King!
Born to redeem, and strong to save;
Then ask the monster, “Where’s thy sting?”
And, “Where’s thy vict’ry, boasting Grave?”

Luke 23:27,29,44-46; Mt. 27:50,57; 28:6ff

Isaac Watts