God's Own Child, I Gladly Say It
God's own child, I gladly say it
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran teaching on Baptism as God's covenantal act that establishes the believer's identity as God's child and grounds daily Christian living in baptismal grace. It reflects the Lutheran understanding of sanctification as a lifelong process of dying to sin and rising to new life, rooted in the objective reality of baptismal incorporation into Christ.
History & Background
Written by Erdmann Neumeister in early 18th-century Germany as a Baptism hymn emphasizing the believer's identity in Christ and daily renewal through baptismal grace. First published in German Lutheran hymnals and translated into English by Robert E. Voelker for the Lutheran Service Book (2006).
Hymnal Appearances
- All Creation Sings — 1009
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 594
- Lutheran Service Book — 594
Translation
Bulletin Note
Erdmann Neumeister (1671–1756), Lutheran pastor and prolific hymn poet, wrote this hymn in 1714 to instruct believers in the everyday practice of baptismal living—repentance and faith renewed each morning.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the doctrine of Baptism into lived faith: it announces the Gospel of our adoption in Christ, then challenges us to mortify the old self daily—embodying the Law-Gospel movement that drives all Christian discipleship.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Definition & Command of Baptism Small Catechism — Holy Baptism
Themes
Baptism Justification by faith Assurance of salvation New life in Christ Daily dying and rising