No mortal work ascends the holy height,
Nor gilded deed draws near the throne of flame;
All human righteousness, in God’s pure sight,
Is but as filthy rags, unworthy, lame.

None bring their coin, their claim, their pleading art,
No merit forged by will or sweat avails;
The law condemns the proud, the contrite heart—
Yet grace descends where every effort fails.

Behold the Lamb! His blood, His life, His pain—
The sole oblation Heaven will receive.
In Christ alone the sinner’s righteousness is gained;
His spotless robe the naked soul reprieves.

O Savior, sole defense of every soul,
In Thee true merit lives—complete, eternal, whole.