God Loves Me Dearly
God loves me dearly, grants me salvation
The hymn emphasizes justification by grace through faith, central to Lutheran theology, affirming that salvation comes entirely through Christ's atoning work rather than human merit. It reflects Luther's emphasis on God's freely given grace and the assurance of salvation that flows from trust in Christ's redemption.
History & Background
Written by Norwegian hymn writer August Ludvig Storm in 1921, this modern hymn expresses the central theme of God's love revealed in Christ's redemptive work. The text was translated into English and incorporated into Lutheran hymnals including the 1978 LBW and 2006 LSB.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 320
- Lutheran Service Book — 392
- Lutheran Worship — 370
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed in 1921 by Norwegian-American pastor August Ludvig Storm, this hymn captures the core of Lutheran theology: God's love is unconditional, Christ's work is complete, and our salvation rests entirely on grace received through faith, not human merit.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes Luther's doctrine of justification by grace through faith, moving the hearer from awareness of sin and need directly into the joy of unmerited salvation—making it an ideal musical amplification of Law and Gospel proclamation.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
God's love Salvation through Christ Divine grace Personal assurance Redemption