God the Father Son and Spirit
God the Father, Son, and Spirit
The hymn presents classical Lutheran Trinitarian theology, addressing each person of the Godhead and their redemptive work. It connects the cosmic expansion of God's kingdom with personal Christian faith and the growth of the Church.
History & Background
This hymn appears in various 19th-century English hymn collections with unclear authorship. It has been included in Lutheran hymnals including The Lutheran Hymnal with minimal textual variation.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 640
Bulletin Note
Anonymous hymn from 1800, sung to the tune MELCOMBE. It presents early Lutheran Trinitarian theology, connecting God's cosmic reign with the Church's growth—a meditation suited for Trinity Sunday and Pentecost.
Preaching Connection
This hymn develops classical Trinitarian theology by showing how Law (the cosmic order of creation) and Gospel (redemption through Christ and sanctification by the Spirit) work together to accomplish God's salvation and build His kingdom.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Retrospective gratitude for God's past faithfulness (St. 1-2) → Prospective petition for future protection and alignment with God's will (St. 3-4)
Themes
Trinity God's Lordship Expansion of God's Kingdom Divine Redemption