Blessed Are the Sons of God
Blessed are the sons of God
The hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of baptismal identity where believers are constituted as children of God through grace, not human achievement. It reflects Grundtvig's distinctive theology linking baptismal faith to Christian dignity and consequent ethical living in the world.
History & Background
This Danish hymn was written by N.F.S. Grundtvig in 1824 during his most productive hymnwriting period and reflects his emphasis on baptismal faith and Christian living. The English translation by Peer Böttcher appeared in 1967, making this important Grundtvigian hymn accessible to English-speaking Lutheran congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 370
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 391
Translation
Bulletin Note
Grundtvig (1783-1872), Danish pastor and hymnwriter, composed this text in 1824. He recovered baptism as the foundation of Christian dignity and ethical living—a distinctive Lutheran emphasis linking sacramental grace to transformed human existence.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies Grundtvig's insight that baptismal grace constitutes Christian identity and dignity, making it a powerful response to law-based shame and a summons to faithful living rooted in Gospel promise rather than human striving.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Definition & Command of Baptism Small Catechism — Holy Baptism
Themes
baptismal grace Christian identity sonship in Christ faith's assurance