Author: Ernst Gottlieb Woltersdorf (1725-1761) Composer: Oscar Ahanfelt (1813-1882)
1. Streams that from Thy wounds are flowing Bless for us this water bath; With the Word in union growing With the pow’r that Jesus hath. He charged men to teach all nations Bring to faith all His creations. He who suffered for us all, Saves the lost ones from their fall. “Baptize them,” is His direction, “In the Father’s name and action In the Son’s sad death full measure, In the Spirit’s pow’r and pleasure!”
2. As in the great flood the water Carried Noah’s ark to life, So and thousand times yet better, Flows here full salvation rife; Takes away all sin and doubting, And relieves from death and Satan, Gives us joy, trustworthiness, And the draught of blessedness. Oh, that we would trust Him better, Trust the Word of Grace forever; Saved is ev’ry true believer, Judged the doubter and deceiver.
3. Eyes of faith the spring are seeing That from Word to water flows, How the Christ, from sins us freeing, Shed His blood for all our woes. Grace and strength are never-ending; Thus, this great salvation sending, Richly for this flood, our Lord His good Spirit hath outpoured! Sinners freed He calls us ever Newborn children and forever Heirs of life that knows no sadness; On this faith I’ll die with gladness.
4. But old Adam’s sinful members Must be buried in the flood, And a new man rise, remember, Pure and holy in His stead. The first dies in true repentance; This one lives by faith’s acceptance. Sinful service, sinful lust Are to me forever lost. If I with the Lord am buried, Must in me His life be carried, And to God’s glorification Prove myself a new creation.