Blessing and Honor and Glory and Power
Blessing and honor and glory and power
The hymn presents a robust evangelical affirmation of Christ's exaltation and cosmic sovereignty, consonant with Lutheran theology of Christ's ascension and heavenly intercession. It functions as an extended doxology celebrating the Christus Victor motif central to Lutheran understanding of redemption.
History & Background
Written by Horatius Bonar, Scottish minister and hymn writer, around 1866. The hymn reflects Victorian evangelical doxological tradition and has been widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals since the mid-twentieth century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 823
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 525
- Lutheran Worship — 368
- Trinity Hymnal — 229
Bulletin Note
Written by Scottish evangelical Horatius Bonar in 1866, this hymn echoes the Christus Victor theology of the early church, celebrating Christ's exaltation and cosmic redemption—themes central to Lutheran understanding of resurrection and ascension.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies Gospel proclamation by anchoring believers' assurance not in their own effort but in Christ's ascended intercessory work—a truth that frees the conscience and ignites grateful praise.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Second Article (Concerning Redemption) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Themes
Ascension and exaltation of Christ Doxology and praise Resurrection victory Eternal kingship Worship and adoration