Pass Me Not

Pass me not, O gentle Savior

The hymn expresses the evangelical conviction that Christ's mercy is universally offered and personally accessible to those who earnestly seek Him. In Lutheran perspective, it resonates with the doctrine of God's universal will for salvation (2 Peter 3:9) while emphasizing human responsibility to respond to divine grace through faith.

History & Background

Written by Fanny Crosby in 1868, this hymn became one of her most enduring compositions and was first published in popular American hymnals of the late 19th century. It reflects the evangelical revival tradition of personal appeal to Christ and became a staple in both Methodist and evangelical Protestant worship.

Hymnal Appearances

Baptist Hymnal — 469
Chalice Hymnal — 570
Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 773
Lutheran Worship — 365
The Lutheran Hymnal — 391
United Methodist Hymnal — 351

Bulletin Note

Written by blind hymnist Fanny Crosby in 1868, this beloved evangelical hymn became a staple of revival meetings and camp meetings, expressing the Protestant conviction that Christ's saving grace is personally accessible to all who earnestly seek Him.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies the movement from Law to Gospel: the sinner's urgent need meets Christ's unearned, willing mercy—a grace that cannot pass us by.

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law-Gospel movement: human righteousness exposed as insufficient (stanzas 1-2), Christ's alien righteousness imputed and clothing the believer (stanzas 3-4), concluding in faith-alone boasting

Themes

Divine mercy and grace Petition and intercession Assurance of salvation Personal relationship with Christ