Faith is a Living Power from Heaven
Faith is a living power from heaven
Faith is a Living Power from Heaven is a hymn text by Bernhardt Bastian (1860) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by composite English translation. Found in CW93 404, ELH 361, elw 585, lbw 379.
This hymn embodies Lutheran theology's emphasis on faith as a gift of the Holy Spirit, not a human achievement, reflecting the doctrine of justification by faith. It celebrates faith's transformative power while maintaining the Reformation's centrality of God's gracious work rather than human merit.
History & Background
Bernhardt Bastian's German text was published in the mid-19th century and entered Lutheran hymnody through multiple English translations, becoming established in English Lutheran hymnals from the 20th century onward.
Hymnal Appearances
- Christian Worship — 404
- Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 361
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 585
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 379
- Lutheran Service Book — 583
- Lutheran Worship — 368
- Trinity Hymnal — 350
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 384
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Bernhardt Bastian in 1860, this hymn distills the Reformation doctrine of justification by faith into verse, emphasizing that faith itself is God's gracious work—never a human achievement or merit.
Preaching Connection
This hymn proclaims the Gospel's central claim: faith as a divine gift moves believers from spiritual death into living trust, counteracting the Law's exposure of our powerlessness and embodying the Spirit's work in justification.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Faith as gift of Holy Spirit Living trust in Christ Assurance and comfort Power of faith