All Who Would Valiant Be
All who would valiant be
The hymn embodies Lutheran understanding of faith as active trust that sustains believers through trials and opposition. Its emphasis on perseverance resonates with Lutheran theology of sanctification and the Christian's continual struggle against sin, the world, and the devil.
History & Background
Written by John Bunyan as a song of the pilgrims in Part II of The Pilgrim's Progress (1684), reflecting the spiritual journey of Christian believers. The text became widely recognized and has been adapted into various hymnals, though sometimes with textual modifications.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 733
- The Hymnal 1982 — 564
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 498
- Lutheran Worship — 384
Bulletin Note
Penned by John Bunyan (1684), author of The Pilgrim's Progress. This hymn distills the Reformation conviction that faith active in love perseveres through opposition—a defiant song for those who inherit Luther's witness.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Law's exposure of our spiritual enemies and the Gospel's gift of supernatural courage, making it a powerful witness to sanctification as ongoing battle fought not by our strength but by Christ's.
Themes
Christian perseverance Pilgrimage and faith journey Spiritual warfare Courage in adversity Separation from worldly concerns