Drawn to the Cross, which Thou hast Blest
Drawn to the cross, which thou hast blest
The hymn embodies Lutheran emphasis on Christ's atoning death as the center of salvation, drawing sinners to the cross through faith. It reflects the Lutheran understanding of justification by grace through faith alone, with the cross as the locus of God's redemptive love.
History & Background
Written by William Bright, Bishop of Durham, in 1874 for use in Anglican worship. The hymn was widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals during the 20th century, particularly for Lenten and Easter observance.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 811
- Lutheran Service Book — 560
- Lutheran Worship — 356
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 390
Bulletin Note
Written by Bishop William Bright in 1874, this hymn belongs to the classical Anglican-Lutheran tradition of cross-centered devotion. Its theology emphasizes justification by grace alone, with the cross as God's definitive answer to human sin.
Preaching Connection
This hymn amplifies the Gospel's proclamation of Christ's substitutionary sacrifice by centering the affections on the cross as the visible sign of God's redemptive love breaking through human sin and condemnation.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from separation and judgment to gracious invitation, communion, and eschatological hope
Themes
Atonement Cross of Christ Redemption Drawing to Christ Substitutionary sacrifice