He that Believes and is Baptized

He that believes and is baptized

He that Believes and is Baptized is a hymn text by Erasmus Speratus (1524) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by John C. Mattes. Found in elw 749, lbw 194, lsb 601, lw 225.

The hymn powerfully articulates the Lutheran understanding of baptism as connected to faith and the promises of the Gospel, reflecting both the sacramental value of baptism and its dependence on faith. It declares the assurance of salvation through the conjunction of belief and baptismal reception, emphasizing resurrection hope and the defeat of death through Christ.

History & Background

Written by Erasmus Speratus, a reformer and Lutheran theologian, in 1524 during the early Reformation as a baptismal hymn expressing the connection between faith and baptism. Published in German as 'Wer da glaubet und getaufet wird,' it became a central hymn in Lutheran baptismal theology and has been translated into numerous languages.

Hymnal Appearances

Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 749
Lutheran Book of Worship — 194
Lutheran Service Book — 601
Lutheran Worship — 225
The Lutheran Hymnal — 301
Voices Together — 468

Translation

John C. Mattes

Bulletin Note

Written by Erasmus Speratus in 1524, this Reformation hymn boldly declares that baptism joined with faith delivers the full promise of Gospel salvation—a distinctly Lutheran affirmation of sacrament as God's sure Word made visible.

Preaching Connection

This hymn crystallizes the Lutheran insistence that baptism and faith are inseparable: the sacrament is ineffective without faith, yet faith finds its seal and certainty in the waters of grace, making it an ideal sung response to sermons on the assurance of salvation and God's promised mercy.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

The Definition & Command of Baptism Small Catechism — Holy Baptism

Background Research

AI-assisted draft This background note was researched with AI from published hymnal sources and has not yet been checked line by line. Please verify details such as dates before relying on them.

Thomas Kingo's Danish 'Enhver som tror og bliver døbt' (cf. Mark 16:16), printed in his 1689 hymnbook for the churches of Denmark and Norway. That book was not authorized by the church; the hymn entered the official successor (1699), known as Kingo's Hymnbook. English by George A. T. Rygh, usually dated 1909, first known in The Lutheran Hymnary (1913) of the Norwegian-American churches. Source: Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology.

AI-assisted draft These study notes were drafted with AI from the hymn text and have not yet been reviewed line by line. Treat them as a starting point and check them against the sources.

Overview

A short Danish baptismal hymn by Bishop Thomas Kingo, built on Mark 16:16. St. 1 states what Baptism gives: salvation, union with Christ's death, new creation, and a place among the redeemed of every nation. St. 2 is the congregation's prayer for the Spirit, for growth in grace, and for eternal life 'by this Sacrament.'

Central theme: Baptism and faith as the means of salvation, new creation, and eternal life

Structure

Doctrine (1); prayer (2).

Law & Gospel Shape

Gospel; human 'infirmity' acknowledged (st. 2).

Confessional Connections

Small Catechism, Baptism: 'Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved' (Mark 16:16). Baptism's benefits received by faith.

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

Holy Baptism; Baptism of Our Lord; Ascension (Mark 16 Gospel); remembrance of Baptism.

Historical Notes

Kingo (1634-1703), Bishop of Fyn. Rygh translated for Norwegian-American Lutheran hymnals.

About the Tune

ES IST DAS HEIL — the same tune as 'Salvation unto Us Has Come,' fittingly.

Scripture References

Mark 16:16 Rom 6:3-4 2 Cor 5:17 Rev 7:9 Titus 3:5-6 2 Pet 3:18 1 Pet 3:21

Stanza by Stanza

1 He that believes and is baptized…

Whoever believes and is baptized will see salvation; baptized into Christ's death, he is a new creation; through Christ's redemption he will stand among the glorious heavenly company from every tribe and nation.

Mark 16:16, the verse Luther's Small Catechism uses to show Baptism's benefit. Faith and Baptism belong together: Baptism gives, faith receives. 'Baptized into the death of Christ' (Rom 6:3-4) — Baptism unites us with Christ's death and resurrection. 'He is a new creation' (2 Cor 5:17; Titus 3:5). 'Through Christ's redemption' — the benefit rests on Christ's work, not the water alone or the believer's faith as a work. The final image of the multitude 'of every tribe and nation' (Rev 7:9) shows Baptism's universal reach (Matt 28:19).

Scripture: Mark 16:16, Rom 6:3-4, 2 Cor 5:17, Titus 3:5, Rev 7:9, Matt 28:19
Imagery & language: Baptism into death; new creation; heavenly band.
Law / Gospel: Gospel — benefits of Baptism.
Connection to previous: Doctrinal statement.

Baptism faith new creation union with Christ

2 With one accord, O God, we pray…

Together we pray: give us your Spirit, look on our weakness through Jesus' blood and merit, help us grow in grace daily so that by this Sacrament we inherit eternal life.

The congregation prays for the Spirit given in Baptism (Acts 2:38; Titus 3:5-6). 'Look Thou on our infirmity / Through Jesus' blood and merit' — God sees us through Christ. 'Grow in grace each day' (2 Pet 3:18) — Luther's teaching that Baptism signifies daily dying and rising (Small Catechism IV). 'By this Sacrament we may / Eternal life inherit' — Baptism is a means of grace, not a mere sign (1 Pet 3:21, 'Baptism… now saves you').

Scripture: Acts 2:38, Titus 3:5-7, 2 Pet 3:18, Rom 6:4, 1 Pet 3:21
Imagery & language: Infirmity; growth; inheritance.
Law / Gospel: Gospel — prayer for the Spirit and daily renewal.
Connection to previous: The congregation's prayer.

Holy Spirit daily repentance means of grace eternal life

Themes

Baptism and faith Resurrection and eternal life Gospel assurance Christian confidence

Look Further

Search Hymnary.org for "He that Believes and is Baptized" ↗