I Am a Sinner Still

I do not come because my soul is free from sin
and pure and whole and worthy of Thy grace;
I do not speak to Thee because I’ve ever justly kept
Thy laws and dare to meet Thy face.

I know that sin and guilt combine
to reign o’er every thought of mine and turn from good to ill;
I know that when I try to be upright and just and true to Thee,
I am a sinner still.

I know that often when I strive to keep
a spark of love alive for Thee,
the powers within Leap up in unsubmissive might
and oft benumb my sense of right and pull me back to sin.

I know that though in doing good I spend my life,
I never could atone for all I’ve done;
But though my sins are black as night,
I dare to come before Thy sight because I trust Thy Son.

In Him alone my trust I place, come boldly to Thy throne of grace,
and there commune with Thee.
Salvation sure, O Lord, is mine,
and, all unworthy, I am Thine, for Jesus died for me.

- Martin Luther

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