A Lamb alone bears willingly
The hymn embodies Lutheran doctrine of justification by faith, presenting Christ as the innocent Lamb whose willing sacrifice satisfies divine justice and restores humanity to God. It reflects Grundtvig's vision of participatory faith where the congregation identifies with Christ's redemptive work through the gathered community.
History & Background
Originally composed in Danish as 'Et Lam gik stille hen' by Grundtvig in 1844, reflecting his sacramental theology and emphasis on Christ's redemptive work. The English translation by Gracia Grindal first appeared in LBW (1985) and was subsequently included in LSB (2006).
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 363
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 105
- Lutheran Service Book — 438
- Lutheran Worship — 111
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 142
- Voices Together — 228
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Grundtvig in 1844, this Danish hymn embodies the Reformation's doctrine of justification by faith alone, presenting Christ's willing sacrifice as the sole satisfaction of divine justice and the restoration of humanity to God.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Lutheran understanding of substitutionary atonement: the Law's perfect demand (Isaiah 53) finds its Gospel answer in Christ's willing, innocent sacrifice—a proclamation that frames how we preach both the weight of sin and the sufficiency of grace.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Substitutionary atonement Christ's suffering servant Innocent sacrifice Redemption through Christ