Come, We That Love the Lord
Come, we that love the Lord
The hymn embodies Lutheran theology of justification and sanctification, calling believers to joyful assurance in Christ's resurrection and their own election and perseverance. It expresses the triumphant Christian hope characteristic of Easter proclamation and the resurrection of the body central to Lutheran eschatology.
History & Background
Isaac Watts published this hymn in his 1707 collection 'Hymns and Spiritual Songs,' where it appeared as an exhortation to perseverance in Christian faith. The text has been a staple of English-language Protestant hymnody for over three centuries and remains widely used in Lutheran and other Reformed traditions.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 525
- Chalice Hymnal — 707
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 720
- Glory to God — 716
- Lutheran Service Book — 669
- Lutheran Worship — 384
- New Century Hymnal — 379
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 635
- United Methodist Hymnal — 732
- With One Voice — 742
Bulletin Note
Isaac Watts (1707) crafted this C.M. triumph to celebrate Christian hope rooted in Christ's resurrection. It echoes Psalm 84, transforming pilgrimage from burden into liturgical joy—a Reformation affirmation of grace triumphing over works.
Preaching Connection
This hymn proclaims the Gospel's answer to the Law's demand: the narrow way becomes a joyful march when walked in the assurance of Christ's resurrection victory and our justification by grace alone.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Third Article (Concerning Sanctification) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Affection for the Church → Covenantal belonging → Sacrificial devotion → Transcendent joy in communion
Themes
Joy in Christ Christian perseverance Heavenly citizenship Resurrection hope Corporate worship