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Believers Hymn Book · No. 176 · Words: Anne Ross Cundell Cousin · Tune: Substitution
O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head!
Create PowerPoint slides from this hymn →A penal-substitution hymn by Scottish poet Anne R. C. Cousin, meditating on Christ bearing sin's full weight in place of the believer. Each stanza contrasts what Christ endured with the freedom and peace now granted to the redeemed.
Verse 1
O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head!
Our load was laid on Thee;
Thou stoodest in the sinner's stead,
Bear'st all my ill for me.
A victim led, Thy blood was shed;
Now there's no load for me.
Verse 2
Death and the curse were in our cup,
O Christ, 'twas full for Thee!
But Thou has drained the last dark drop,
'Tis empty now for me.
That bitter cup, love drank it up;
Now blessings' draught for me.
Verse 3
The tempest's awful voice was heard;
O Christ, it broke on Thee!
Thy open bosom was my ward;
It braved the storm for me.
Thy form was scarred, Thy visage marred;
Now cloudless peace for me.
Verse 4
Jehovah bade His sword awake;
O Christ, it woke' gainst Thee!
Thy blood the flaming blade must slake,
Thy heart its sheath must be;
All for my sake my peace to make,
Now sleeps that sword for me.
Verse 5
The Holy One did hide His face;
O Christ, 'twas hid from Thee!
Dumb darkness wrapt Thy soul a space,
The darkness due to me.
But now that face of radiant grace
Shines forth in light on me.
Verse 6
For me, Lord Jesus, Thou hast died,
And I have died in Thee;
Thou'rt risen; my bands are all untied,
And now Thou liv'st in me.
When Thou dost come to take Thy Bride,
Thy glory then for me.
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