Hail O Once Rejected Jesus
Hail, O once rejected Jesus
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
- The Second Article (Concerning Redemption) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
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)
Themes
Christ's exaltation Resurrection victory Heavenly enthronement Worship and adoration