Weeping Will Not Save Me

by Robert Lowry

Weeping will not save me—
Though my face were bathed in tears,
That could not allay my fears,
Could not wash the sins of years—
Weeping will not save me.

Refrain:
Jesus wept and died for me;
Jesus suffered on the tree;
Jesus waits to make me free,
He alone can save me.

Working will not save me—
Purest deeds that I can do,
Holiest thoughts and feelings too,
Cannot form my soul anew—
Working will not save me.

Waiting will not save me—
Helpless, guilty, lost I lie
In my ear is mercy’s cry;
If I wail, I can but die—
Waiting will not save me.

Faith in Christ will save me—
Let me trust thy weeping Son,
Trust the work that He has done;
To his arms, Lord, help me run—
Faith in Christ will save me.

This song came to my attention while I was preparing my article about “Nothing but the Blood.” The song was listed among Robert Lowry’s most popular hymns, but I had never heard of it. Even so, the title intrigued me enough to want to look it up and learn more. After reading it, I can see why it was a popular hymn. The message of salvation is crystal clear, and the words are very singable.

You can read Robert Lowry’s biography here, and below is an instrumental recording of the tune with the lyrics subbed on the video, just in case you’re curious enough to want to know how the song was sung.