All Christians Who Have Been Baptized
All Christians who have been baptized
The hymn expounds the Pauline doctrine of baptismal death and resurrection (Romans 6), emphasizing that Christians are buried with Christ and rise to new life through baptism. It articulates the sacramental significance of baptism in Lutheran theology as more than external washing, connecting it to faith, grace, and the crucifixion-resurrection of Christ.
History & Background
Luther composed this catechetical hymn around 1526 to teach baptismal theology, particularly in response to Anabaptist challenges. It was first published in the Erfurt Enchiridion (1524) and became a standard Lutheran baptismal hymn.
Hymnal Appearances
- All Creation Sings — 1040
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 418
- Lutheran Service Book — 596
- Lutheran Worship — 272
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 273
- Voices Together — 164
- With One Voice — 690
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Martin Luther in 1526, this hymn expounds the Pauline doctrine of Romans 6, declaring that baptism is no mere external washing but a sacramental death and resurrection with Christ—a cornerstone of Lutheran baptismal theology.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies Romans 6 and transforms it into prayer, making Luther's doctrine of baptismal death-and-resurrection a sung confession that answers the Law's accusation with the Gospel's liberation through sacramental union with Christ.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Definition & Command of Baptism Small Catechism — Holy Baptism
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From baptismal union with Christ's death-resurrection, through mortification of the old Adam, to grateful appropriation of grace, concluding in doxological praise
Themes
Baptism and its meaning Death and resurrection of Christ Sanctification through baptism New life in Christ Christian identity