Christ Is the World's Redeemer
Christ is the world's Redeemer
The hymn emphasizes Christ's redemptive work as universal and efficacious for all humanity, reflecting Lutheran emphasis on justification through Christ alone. It connects apostolic proclamation (Acts 2) with ongoing Christian testimony to Christ's lordship.
History & Background
This hymn is based on a fragment preserved from Clement of Alexandria's early Christian hymn tradition. Frederick Pratt Green translated and adapted this ancient text for modern Lutheran worship in 1969.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 539
- Lutheran Worship — 271
Translation
Bulletin Note
From Clement of Alexandria (c. 200), an early church theologian. This hymn voices the apostolic witness to Christ's universal redemption, sung to the medieval tune Puer Nobis Nascitur, connecting ancient faith to our own.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's universal claim: just as Peter proclaimed at Pentecost that salvation comes through Christ's name alone, this text insists that redemption is both total and for all humanity, anchoring Lutheran assurance in Christ's finished work rather than human effort.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Second Article (Concerning Redemption) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Themes
Redemption through Christ Universal salvation Christ's resurrection and lordship Proclamation of the Gospel