Hymn of the Week – Man of Sorrows

This week’s Hymn of the Week is Philip P Bliss’s lovely poem, ‘Man of Sorrows! What a Name.’ Bliss uses his lyrics to outline the doctrine of saving grace in Christ. The third verse in particular speaks of mankind’s guilty sinfulness in contrast to Christ’s holiness and perfection, yet He laid down His life for us at Calvary, as our atoning sacrifice. Is it any wonder that Bliss concludes each stanza with the words, Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, Who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
Full atonement can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in heaven exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Saviour!

Words & Music: Philip P. Bliss