Our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.
Romans 13:11
Words: Johnson Oatman, Jr., in Songs of Love and Praise No. 5, edited by John R. Sweney, J. Howard Entwisle & Frank M. Davis (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: John J. Hood, 1898), number 28.
Music: Adam Geibel (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a better photo of Oatman,
To my blessèd Lord and Savior,
As He walks before me here,
I am getting nearer, nearer every day!
And He says I shall be like Him
When before Him I appear,
And I’m getting nearer, nearer every day.
Refrain
Every day, praise the Lord, I’m getting nearer,
And the way, praise the Lord, is getting clearer;
From my Lord no more I’ll roam,
For I see the lights of home,
And I’m getting nearer, nearer every day.
To the pure and perfect stature
Of our great and living Head,
I am getting nearer, nearer every day!
To the perfect will of Jesus
In the way that I am led,
I am getting nearer, nearer every day.
Refrain
To the time when I shall gladly
Lay my cross and banners down,
I am getting nearer, nearer every day;
To the time when from my Savior
I’ll receive a robe and crown,
I am getting nearer, nearer every day.
Refrain
To that blest eternal city
That lies just across the foam,
I am getting nearer, nearer every day;
Often thro’ faith’s open vision
I can see the spires of home,
And I’m getting nearer, nearer every day.
Refrain