Come Holy Ghost in Love
Come Holy Ghost in love
This hymn expresses the Lutheran doctrine of sanctification through the Holy Spirit's work of renewing the human heart and transforming the believer into the image of Christ. It emphasizes the cooperation between divine grace and human receptiveness in the Christian life.
History & Background
Written by American Unitarian poet Samuel Longfellow in 1864, this hymn has been adopted into Lutheran hymnals despite its non-Lutheran origin. It appeared in The Hymnal (1864) and was included in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) where it gained wider Lutheran circulation.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 227
Bulletin Note
Written by American Unitarian hymnologist Samuel Longfellow in 1864, this hymn reflects classical Pentecost theology while emphasizing the intimate, loving work of the Spirit in renewing the believer's heart toward holiness.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran doctrine of sanctification: the Spirit's grace works within our receptive hearts to create the new life that the Law demands but cannot produce.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law: Recognition of God's transcendent majesty and human dependence; Gospel: God's intimate presence, sustaining grace, and redemptive love transforming human existence
Themes
Holy Spirit Renewal of heart Sanctification Divine transformation