He that Believes and is Baptized
He that believes and is baptized
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
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
Themes
Baptism and faith Resurrection and eternal life Gospel assurance Christian confidence