All I Have Is Christ
I once was lost in darkest night
The hymn articulates classical Lutheran justification doctrine through personal testimony, emphasizing that Christ alone is sufficient for salvation and that faith receives rather than achieves righteousness. It reflects the Protestant principle of sola fide while using accessible, contemporary language that resonates with modern Lutheran congregations.
History & Background
Written in 2001 by Northern Irish songwriter Keith Getty and English worship leader Stuart Townend, this modern hymn has become popular in contemporary evangelical and Lutheran worship contexts. It was included in Christian Worship: A Lutheran Hymnal (2021) as hymn 580.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 695
- Voices Together — 627
Bulletin Note
Written in 2001 by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, this modern hymn recovers classical Lutheran justification teaching: faith receives rather than achieves righteousness. A contemporary confession of sola fide.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Law's conviction of our spiritual bankruptcy by proclaiming the Gospel's lavish sufficiency in Christ's redemptive work, embodying sola fide in congregational voice.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Justification by faith Christ's sufficiency Gospel grace Personal conversion Assurance of salvation