Scripture Verse

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15

Introduction

Words: Charles J. But­ler, in Spi­ri­tu­al Songs for Gos­pel Meet­ings and the Sun­day School, ed­it­ed by Eli­sha A. Hoff­man & John H. Ten­ney (Cleve­land, Ohio: Bark­er & Smell­ie, 1878).

Music: Wi­no­na Lake Charles J. But­ler, 1878 (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Charles J. Butler

Lyrics

I was once far away from the Savior,
And as vile as a sinner could be,
I wondered if Christ the Redeemer
Could save a poor sinner like me.

I wandered on in the darkness,
Not a ray of light I could see,
And the thought filled my heart with sadness,
There’s no help for a sinner like me.

And then, in that dark, lonely hour,
A voice sweetly whispered to me,
Saying Christ the Redeemer has power
To save a poor sinner like me.

I listened, and lo! ’twas the Savior
That was speaking so kindly to me;
I cried, I’m the chief of sinners;
Oh, save a poor sinner like me.

I then fully trusted in Jesus;
And oh, what a joy came to me:
My heart was filled with His praises,
For saving a sinner like me.

No longer in darkness I’m walking,
For the light is now shining on me;
And now unto others I’m telling,
How He saved a poor sinner like me.

And when life’s journey is over,
And I the dear Savior shall see,
I’ll praise Him forever and ever,
For saving a sinner like me.