God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It

1. God's own child, I gladly say it:
   I am baptized into Christ!
   He, because I could not pay it,
   Gave my full redemption price.
   Do I need earth's treasures many?
   I have one worth more than any
   That brought me salvation free
   Lasting to eternity!
2. Sin, disturb my soul no longer:
   I am baptized into Christ!
   I have comfort even stronger:
   Jesus' cleansing sacrifice.
   Should a guilty conscience seize me
   Since my Baptism did release me
   In a dear forgiving flood,
   Sprinkling me with Jesus' blood!
3. Satan, hear this proclamation:
   I am baptized into Christ!
   Drop your ugly accusation,
   I am not so soon enticed.
   Now that to the font I've traveled,
   All your might has come unraveled,
   And, against your tyranny,
   God, my Lord, unites with me!
4. Death, you cannot end my gladness:
   I am baptized into Christ!
   When I die, I leave all sadness
   To inherit paradise!
   Though I lie in dust and ashes
   Faith's assurance brightly flashes:
   Baptism has the strength divine
   To make life immortal mine.
5. There is nothing worth comparing
   To this lifelong comfort sure!
   Open-eyed my grave is staring:
   Even there I'll sleep secure.
   Though my flesh awaits its raising,
   Still my soul continues praising:
   I am baptized into Christ;
   I'm a child of paradise!

Translation © 1991 Robert E. Voelker.
Used by permission.