Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

Hail O Once Rejected Jesus

Hail, O once rejected Jesus

Hail O Once Rejected Jesus is a hymn text by John Blessinger (1860) in 8.7.8.7 D meter. Found in elw 300, lsb 531, lw 284, tlh 367. Sung to HYFRYDOL.

The hymn articulates classical Lutheran theology of Christ's two natures and his present session at God's right hand, affirming that the once-rejected Jesus is now crowned and exalted in glory. This text reinforces the Lutheran understanding of Christ's resurrection and ascension as the definitive eschatological event upon which Christian hope and worship are founded.

History & Background

Authored by American hymn writer John Blessinger in the mid-19th century, this text celebrates Christ's ascension and exaltation to the right hand of the Father. It appears in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 367 and has been retained in modern Lutheran hymnals including Lutheran Service Book.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 300
  • Lutheran Service Book — 531
  • Lutheran Worship — 284
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 367

Bulletin Note

John Blessinger's 1860 composition sets forth Christ's two natures and present session in classical Lutheran theology, using the rejected-yet-exalted Christ as a proclamation of definitive Gospel triumph.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies the Gospel's answer to the Law's verdict: the condemned One has become our exalted King, transforming judgment into eternal salvation for all who believe.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological anticipation (St. 1-2) → Incarnational paradox (St. 3) → Pneumatological reign (St. 4)

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Trinity 11 (2×)
  • Palm Sunday (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Proper 17 (3×)
  • Epiphany 2 (1×)
  • Proper 28 (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Christ's exaltation Resurrection victory Heavenly enthronement Worship and adoration

Look Further