1. He Who Began the Work

“He Who Began the Work” celebrates God’s unwavering faithfulness from the first spark of salvation to its final fulfillment. Drawing on Philippians 1:6, the song opens with praise for the Lord who initiates spiritual life and promises to finish what He starts. It reminds listeners that their hope rests not in personal effort but in the steadfast character of God, who cannot abandon His own project of redemption.

The lyrics contrast human fragility and unfinished plans with the certainty of God’s purposes. Where our ambitions and achievements often falter like half-built structures, God’s grace is portrayed as an unfailing architect and investor. This imagery reassures believers that even when their faith feels weak or circumstances darken, the foundation laid by Christ remains secure and active.

Finally, the hymn invites the church to sing with both gratitude and anticipation. By fixing eyes on Christ—the Author and Finisher of faith—worshipers are encouraged to trust that every trial, delay, and setback is being woven into God’s completed masterpiece. The song becomes a declaration of joyful confidence: the One who began His good work will surely bring it to perfect, glorious completion.

Lyrics

Hook
He who began the work will bring it to the end,
The Author of our story, our Savior and our Friend.

Verse 1 (Paul’s story)
From a prison cell he writes with chains upon his hand,
Joy for those he cannot see, a church in distant land.
Praying that their love may grow in wisdom from above,
Longing that they may be filled with Jesus’ perfect love.

Pre-Chorus
It’s not their strength, it’s not their will,
It’s Christ who holds them fast until—

Chorus
He who began the work will bring it to the end,
The Author of our story, our Savior and our Friend.
The grace that called us first will never let us go,
And what He has begun, His glory will bestow.

Verse 2 (Cultural illustration)
In the markets of this world, we guard what we invest,
Hoping for a sure return, a profit manifest.
But love is not a ledger, and grace is not a trade,
The treasure is a Person, who all our debts has paid.

Pre-Chorus
It’s not the yield our hands can bring,
But Christ in us, our hope, our King—

Chorus
He who began the work will bring it to the end,
The Author of our story, our Savior and our Friend.
The grace that called us first will never let us go,
And what He has begun, His glory will bestow.

Bridge (Jesus’ person and work)
In the fullness of His mercy, He came to make us whole,
The righteous fruit of Jesus Christ abounding in the soul.
What was planted in the darkness now blossoms in the light,
All to the glory of our God, through Jesus crucified.

Outro
He who began the work will bring it to the end,
The Author of our story, our Savior and our Friend.
From the first day until now, His promise will remain,
Till the day of Christ our Lord, forever He will reign.