Whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith.
Philippians 3:7–9
Words: Isaac Watts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book 1, 1707, number 109. The value of Christ and His righteousness.
Music: Das walt Gott Vater Daniel Vetter, Musicalische Kirch-und Haus-Ergötzlichkeit, part 2 (Leipzig, Germany: 1713). Adapted and harmonized by Johann S. Bach (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
No more, my God, I boast no more
Of all the duties I have done;
I quit the hopes I held before,
To trust the merits of Thy Son.
Now, for the love I bear His name,
What was my gain I count my loss;
My former pride I call my shame,
And nail my glory to His cross.
Yes, and I must and will esteem
All things but loss for Jesus’ sake:
O may my soul be found in Him,
And of His righteousness partake!
The best obedience of my hands
Dares not appear before Thy throne;
But faith can answer Thy demands
By pleading what my Lord has done.