All Mankind Fell in Adam's Fall
All mankind fell in Adam's fall
This hymn presents the classic Lutheran understanding of total depravity through Adam's sin and the complete sufficiency of Christ's redemptive work as the Second Adam. It exemplifies the Reformation's emphasis on sola fide by contrasting human fallenness with the free gift of justification through Christ's merit alone.
History & Background
Originally composed in German as 'Es ist uns Allen wohl bekannt' by Lazarus Spengler in 1524, this hymn was published in early Lutheran hymnals and became a standard Reformation-era treatment of the Fall and redemption. Charles W. Schaeffer's English translation appeared in 1888 and has remained the standard version in American Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 404
- Lutheran Service Book — 562
- Lutheran Worship — 363
- Trinity Hymnal — 382
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 369
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Lazarus Spengler in 1524, this hymn distills Luther's doctrine of justification by faith alone. It presents the classic Reformation contrast between Adam's fall and Christ as the Second Adam, who restores what sin destroyed.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Lutheran Law-Gospel dialectic: Adam's transgression condemns all humanity, yet Christ's substitutionary atonement justifies sinners freely through faith—a perfect theological frame for proclamation of judgment and mercy.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Original Sin Augsburg Confession
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Original sin and human depravity Christ's redemption and substitution Law and Gospel Justification by faith Atonement