Blessed Are They, Forever Blest
Blessed are they, forever blest
The hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of justification by faith alone, drawing on Psalm 32's declaration that the blessed are those whose sins are forgiven and covered by God. It proclaims assurance of salvation through God's grace rather than human works.
History & Background
This hymn was written by N.F.S. Grundtvig, the 19th-century Danish bishop and hymnologist, as part of his prolific output of congregational song. It was first published in Danish and later translated into English for Lutheran hymnals in America and Northern Europe.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 315
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 392
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Danish hymn-master Nikolai Grundtvig in 1853, this hymn roots itself in Psalm 32 and expresses the Lutheran conviction that blessedness flows not from moral achievement but from God's sovereign act of forgiving and covering sin.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's exposure of sin into Gospel proclamation: the blessed are those who stop hiding their transgressions and trust instead in God's covering grace—a perfect counterpoint to any sermon on justification by faith.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Confession of Sin Small Catechism — Confession
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Forgiveness and grace Justification Blessing and assurance God's mercy