Blessed Are the Saints of God
Blessed are the saints of God
The hymn expresses the classical Lutheran understanding of the communion of saints and the eschatological blessing promised to all believers who remain faithful. It reflects Grundtvig's theology of the living church and the continuity between the earthly congregation and the heavenly assembly.
History & Background
This hymn was written by Nikolai Grundtvig in 1853 as part of his extensive hymnodic output for the Danish folk church. It was translated into English by Peer Böhling in 1971 and included in The Lutheran Hymnal (TLH) at hymn 391.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 370
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 391
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Danish bishop Nikolai Grundtvig in 1853, this hymn expresses his theology of the living, continuous Church. It bridges earthly worship and heavenly reality through the communion of saints—a central witness of Lutheran faith and practice.
Preaching Connection
This hymn develops the Lutheran doctrine of the communion of saints as a consoling proclamation of pure gospel—that believers are united in blessing and honor through Christ alone, not through personal merit or achievement.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Themes
Communion of saints Blessing and salvation Christian witness Unity in faith