The law is good and holy,
The law cannot be changed;
Though given us for living,
No life from it was gained.

Sin only grew more sinful
When once the law arrived,
And everyone was failing
Who for the precept strived.

You strive and strain your utmost
To keep the whole law through,
But stumble once in something —
And you are finished too.

Though you would wear your skin out
To carry out the law,
You’ll still be judged and sentenced
By it for every flaw.

The law was given to the flesh,
And flesh has got no might;
Outside it seems to glimmer,
Within — it’s dark, not light.

But then the gracious Father
Sent Christ to earth below,
To lift the law’s hard burden
From hearts worn out with woe.

The handwriting of letters
That brought us death and loss
Christ, by His own endeavour,
Nailed to Golgotha’s cross.

I died now to the law,
My flesh with Christ was slain,
That, raised with Him, I’d live in Him
With life made new again.

The law of liberty has come,
Grace has appeared at last!
Beneath the yoke of slavery
Our years shall not be passed!

No longer strict commandments
Are leading me along —
The Spirit of God moves me!
Christ is my life and song!