To Jordan Came Our Lord, The Christ

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.

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.

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 one Whom He Himself inviteth, Hear and obey His teaching.

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.

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 and is baptized, Obtains a mighty blessing; A newborn man, no more he dies, Eternal life possessing, A joyful heir of Heaven.