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All Christians Who Have Been Baptized

All Christians who have been baptized

All Christians Who Have Been Baptized is a hymn text by Martin Luther (1526) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by composite English translation. Found in CW21 682, CWS 736, acs 1040, elw 418. Sung to CHRISTUM WIR SOLLEN LOBEN SCHON.

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

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 682
  • Christian Worship: Supplement — 736
  • 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

composite English 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

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

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Baptism of Our Lord (2×)
  • Epiphany 1 (1×)
  • St. Mark (1×)
  • Trinity 6 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Baptism of Our Lord (2×)
  • Advent 2 (1×)
  • Easter 2 (1×)
  • Epiphany (1×)
  • Epiphany 1 (1×)
  • Lent 2 (1×)
  • Proper 19 (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Baptism and its meaning Death and resurrection of Christ Sanctification through baptism New life in Christ Christian identity

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