I love Him because He first loved me

Christ Jesus my Lord from Heaven came,
To save me from guilt and sin and shame;
His death on the cross of Calvary
Brought pardon and gave me liberty.

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I love Him because He first loved me,
He first loved me, He first loved me;
I love Him because He first loved me,
And died on the cross of Calvary.

He sweat drops of blood in prayer for me,
Heartbroken in dark Gethsemane.
While angels from blessèd realms of light
Gave strength to His aching heart that night.

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Up Calvary’s hill the cross He bore,
And for me a crown of thorns He wore;
They nailed Him upon the tree to die,
Then darkness came over earth and sky.

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My Lord who was slain by sinful man,
A wonderful Friend to me has been;
He rose from the tomb with victory,
And now I love Him who first loved me.

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