Alas My God My Sins Are Great
Alas my God, my sins are great
The hymn expresses the Lutheran emphasis on sincere confession of sin and reliance upon Christ's satisfaction for salvation. It embodies the Reformation principle of justification by grace through faith rather than works of penance.
History & Background
Martin Behm's hymn "Ach Gott und Herr" was published in early 17th-century Germany as a penitential hymn. Catherine Winkworth's English translation became the standard version in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 232
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 317
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Martin Behm in 1610, this German Lutheran hymn captures the Reformation's radical trust in Christ's cross alone for forgiveness, rejecting human works of penance in favor of grace received through faith.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law's piercing work before it proclaims the Gospel's healing: our sin is grave, yet Christ's satisfaction is greater still—a dynamic perfectly suited to amplify any sermon on justification by grace alone.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Confession of Sin Small Catechism — Confession
Themes
Sin and repentance Divine mercy Confession Christ's redemption Justification by faith