Chief
Chief of Sinners.
Composer: William McComb
1 Chief of sinners though I be,
Jesus shed his blood for me,
died that I might live on high,
lives that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine,
I am his and he is mine!
2 Oh, the height of Jesus' love,
higher than the heav'ns above,
deeper than the depths of sea,
lasting as eternity,
love that found me— wondrous thought—
found me when I sought him not.
3 Only Jesus can impart
comfort to a wounded heart,
peace that flows from sin forgiv'n,
joy that lifts the soul to heav'n,
faith and hope to walk with God
in the way that Enoch trod.
4 Chief of sinners though I be,
Christ is all in all to me;
all my wants to him are known,
all my sorrows are his own.
Safe with him in earthly strife,
I await the heav'nly life.
5 Strengthen me, O gracious Lord,
by your Spirit and your Word.
When my wayward heart would stray,
keep me in the narrow way;
grace in time of need supply
while I live and when I die.
Story behind the song
William McComb was a teacher, bookseller, and writer in 18th and 19th century Ireland. He wrote the hymn "Chief of Sinners," reflecting on the idea that Jesus shed His blood to save even the most unworthy, exemplified by the Apostle Paul. Paul's realization of his own unworthiness and dependence on God's grace serves as a reminder to embrace our own imperfections and weaknesses, rather than trying to appear worthy on our own. This humility allows others to see Jesus' grace at work in us. The hymn emphasizes the idea that Jesus shed His blood for all sinners, regardless of their perceived worthiness.