506 A Mighty Fortress

[1]
A mighty fortress is our God
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe
Doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and power are great;
And armed with cruel hate
On earth is not his equal.

[2]
Did we in our own strength confide
Our striving would be losing
Were not the right man on our side
The man of God s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus it is He
Lord Sabaoth His name
From age to age the same
And He must win the battle.

[3]
And though this world with devils filled
Should threaten to undo us
We will not fear for God hath willed
His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim
We tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure
For lo! his doom is sure
One little word shall fell him.

[4]
That word above all earthly powers
No thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours
Through Him who with us sideth;
Let goods and kindred go
This mortal life also;
The body they may kill;
God s truth abideth still
His kingdom is forever.