Blessed Are the Sons of God

Blessed Are the Sons of God is a hymn text by Nikolai Frederick Severin Grundtvig (1824) in 8.7.8.7 meter. Translated by Peer Böttcher. Found in lw 370, tlh 391.

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

Peer Böttcher

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

Overview

A short hymn by Joseph Humphreys, an early associate of the Wesleys and George Whitefield, describing the blessedness of God's children. They are bought with Christ's blood and will have eternal life (st. 1); justified by grace, at peace, washed, able to stand on the Last Day (st. 2); lights in the world, born from above, one with God, with glory already begun in them (st. 3). Each stanza ends 'With them numbered may we be here and in eternity!'

Central theme: The blessings of God's children — redemption, justification, new birth and glory begun — and prayer to be counted among them

Structure

Three six-line stanzas (7.7.7.7.7.7) with the refrain 'With them numbered may we be here and in eternity!' Redeemed (1) — justified (2) — lights and glory (3).

Law & Gospel Shape

Gospel throughout: bought, ransomed, justified by grace, washed, born from above.

Confessional Connections

'Justified by grace' (Rom 3:24; AC IV). 'Bought with Christ's own blood' (SC Second Article). 'Heavenly birth' — new birth by water and Spirit (John 3:5; Titus 3:5; SC IV). 'Glory is in them begun' — sanctification begun, perfected in glory (2 Cor 3:18; Rom 8:30). The refrain prays to be counted among God's children — the assurance of faith rests on God's promise, not our self-assessment.

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

All Saints' Day; Baptism; Epiphany (Matt 5:14); general.

Historical Notes

Humphreys (b. 1720) was one of the first Methodist lay preachers before joining Whitefield; the hymn dates from 1743.

About the Tune

VOLLER WUNDER (Johann G. Ebeling, 1666).

Scripture References

Matt 5:14 Rom 8:14-17 1 John 3:1-2 1 Pet 1:18-19 Hos 13:14 John 10:28 Rom 3:24 Rom 5:1 1 Cor 6:11 Rom 8:33-34 Phil 2:15 John 3:3-6 John 17:21-23 2 Cor 3:18 Rom 8:30

Stanza by Stanza

Themes

baptismal grace Christian identity sonship in Christ faith's assurance

Look Further

• Search Hymnary.org for "Blessed Are the Sons of God" ↗