For man, the vile offender. The spirit of the Law requires, And lost is our condition. And by their works gain heaven. The Law is but a mirror bright To bring the inbred sin to light That lurks within our nature.
None can remove sin's poisoned dart Or purify our guileful heart, So deep is our corruption.
Yet as the Law must be fulfilled Or we must die despairing, Christ came and hath God's anger stilled, Our human nature sharing. And thus the Father's vengeance stayed Which over us impended. Since Christ hath full atonement made And brought to us salvation, Each Christian therefore may be glad And build on this foundation. For Thou hast paid my ransom. No falsehood hast Thou spoken.