GOSPEL >> Salvation & Redemption
SDAH 340
We have heard a joyful sound,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Spread the gladness all around,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
This hymn appears in:
For Worship Leaders
Make each hymn more meaningful with these helpful tools: Short, ready-to-use hymn introductions for church bulletins, multiple ways to introduce a hymn based on your worship theme and in-depth history and insights to enrich your song service.
Hymn Spotlight: Jesus Saves
Written by longtime Baltimore schoolteacher and Sunday school leader Priscilla Jane Owens (1829–1907; see SDAH 272), this hymn boldly proclaims the heart of the gospel: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15). Originally penned for a Sunday school anniversary, it first appeared in The Revivalist (1868) with a different tune. The now-familiar melody by William James Kirkpatrick (1838–1921) was introduced in Songs of Redeeming Love (1882), giving the hymn its joyful, march-like energy. Owens, who also wrote “Give Me the Bible” and “Will Your Anchor Hold?” remained active in her local church and school ministry for over five decades.
📖 Reference: Feel free to share but please cite hymnsforworship.org when reproducing.
Introductions for Sabbath School Song Service (based on specific lesson quarterlies):
The heavenly court scene of Daniel 7:9–14 depicts the central event of the chapter. The books; the Ancient of Days on the throne; and the Son of man, surrounded by heavenly clouds (Dan. 7:13) as He comes into the presence of the Ancient of Days, portray a scene of judgment in heaven. For the saints, who have been persecuted by the little horn, the judgment means vindication, salvation, and restoration. We should bear in mind that the judgment of the living will take place only when the time of probation closes and the seven last plagues begin to be poured on Babylon (Revelation 15, Revelation 16). But most important, we must not fear the judgment because the “Son of Man” is our representative in the heavenly tribunal. Thus, rather than condemnation, the heavenly judgment will bring us vindication and deliverance. (Lesson 8, 1st Quarter 2020 – Tuesday, The Court Was Seated, 2/17/2020)
Priscilla Jane Owens (1829-1907; see SDAH 272) spent 49 years as a teacher in public school in Baltimore. A devout Methodist, she also taught for 50 years in the Sunday school. For the anniversary of the Sunday school she wrote this gospel song, which emphasizes the purpose of the Lord in coming to this earth: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1 :15).
The hymn first appeared in The Revivalist, 1868, but to a different tune, then to the present tune in Songs of Redeeming Love in1882. Owens spent all her life in Baltimore. She died there December 5, 1907. She also wrote SDAH 272, “Give Me the Bible,” and SDAH 534, “Will Your Anchor Hold?”
The tune, sometimes named JESUS SAVES, was composed in 1882 by William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921; see Biographies).
📖 Reference: Companion to the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal by Wayne Hooper and Edward E. White. Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1988.
Text
1
We have heard a joyful sound,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Spread the gladness all around,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Bear the news to every land,
Climb the steeps and cross the waves,
Onward, ’tis our Lord’s command,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves.
2
Waft it on the rolling tide,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Tell to sinners, far and wide,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Sing, ye islands of the sea.
Echo back, ye ocean caves,
Earth shall keep her jubilee,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves.
3
Sing above the battle’s strife,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
By His death and endless life,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Sing it softly through the gloom,
When the heart for mercy craves,
Sing in triumph o’er the tomb,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves.
4
Give the winds a mighty voice,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Let the nations now rejoice,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves;
Shout salvation full and free,
Highest hills and deepest caves,
This our song of victory,
Jesus saves, Jesus saves.
Hymn Info
Biblical Reference
(a) Ps 96:2; Mark 16:15 (b) Lev 25:10 (c) Rev 1:18
Author
Priscilla J. Owens (1829-1907)
Metrical Number
7.6.7.6.7.7.7.6.
Composer
William J. Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)
Year Composed
1882
