Rescue the Perishing calls believers to share the gospel with urgency, emphasizing Jesus as the mighty Savior who redeems the lost. The lyrics highlight God’s patience, the power of salvation through Christ, and the believer’s responsibility to bring sinners back to Him. This timeless hymn encourages evangelism, mercy, and the hope found in Christ alone.
VERSE 1
Rescue the perishing, Care for the dying,
Snatch them in pity from sin and the grave;
Weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen,
Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save.
CHORUS
Rescue the perishing,
Care for the dying; Jesus is merciful,
Jesus will save.
VERSE 2
Though they are slighting Him, Still He is waiting,
Waiting the penitent child to receive;
Plead with them earnestly, plead with them gently;
He will forgive if they only believe.
VERSE 3
Down in the human heart, Crushed by the tempter,
Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;
Touched by a loving heart, wakened by kindness,
Chords that were broken will vibrate once more.
VERSE 4
Rescue the perishing, Duty demands it;
Strength for thy labor the Lord will provide;
Back to the narrow way patiently win them;
Tell the poor wanderer a Savior has died.
Story Behind the Hymn
In 1869, Fanny J. Crosby, a prolific hymn writer, was inspired to pen “Rescue the Perishing” after an impactful experience at a New York City mission. One evening, while addressing a group of working men, she felt a compelling urge that someone present needed immediate spiritual intervention.
After the service, a young man approached her, confessing that he was the son of a praying mother but had wandered from his faith. Deeply moved, Crosby prayed with him, leading to his renewed commitment to Christ.
This encounter emphasized to her the importance of reaching out to those estranged from their faith. That very night, she wrote the hymn, encapsulating the urgency of evangelism and the transformative power of divine love. [1]
The hymn was later set to music by composer William Howard Doane, further amplifying its reach and impact. “Rescue the Perishing” has since become a timeless call to believers, urging them to actively care for and guide those in spiritual need, reflecting Crosby’s unwavering dedication to missionary work and her deep empathy for the lost. [2]
God’s Patience in Salvation
“Rescue the perishing” reflects the biblical call to evangelism, emphasizing the urgency of saving those lost in sin. Proverbs 24:11 urges believers to “rescue those who are being taken away to death,” showing that Christians have a duty to intervene and share the gospel. This aligns with Jesus’ mission in Luke 19:10, where He states that He came “to seek and to save that which was lost.” The song reinforces the believer’s role in bringing salvation to others through Christ.
“Tell them of Jesus the mighty to save” highlights Christ’s power to redeem all who turn to Him. Isaiah 63:1 describes God as “mighty to save,” affirming His authority over sin and death. Acts 4:12 further declares that “there is no salvation in anyone else,” confirming that Jesus alone provides eternal life. This line encourages Christians to boldly proclaim the gospel.
“Though they are slighting Him, still He is waiting” illustrates God’s patience toward sinners. 2 Peter 3:9 explains that the Lord is “patient toward you, not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” The song aligns with Scripture in depicting God’s readiness to forgive.
The song presents a strong theological foundation based on Christ’s saving work and the believer’s responsibility to share the gospel. The message of evangelism, mercy, and restoration is entirely biblical. No elements contradict Scripture, making it a faithful hymn of Christian mission.
Relevant Bible Verses about Rescue the Perishing Hymn
Rescue those who are being taken away to death, And those who are staggering to the slaughter, oh hold them back! Proverbs 24:11 NASB
For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10 NASB
Who is this who comes from Edom, With garments of glowing colors from Bozrah, This One who is majestic in His apparel, Marching in the greatness of His strength? “It is I, the One who speaks in righteousness, mighty to save.” Isaiah 63:1 NASB
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 NASB
The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish, but for all to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9 NASB
Rescue the Perishing lyrics and music by Fanny Crosby (1869), Public Domain