If Then You Have Been Raised with Christ
If then you have been raised with Christ
The hymn develops the Pauline doctrine of being seated with Christ in the heavenlies through baptismal union, central to Reformed and Lutheran soteriology. It connects justification to sanctification, calling believers to seek spiritual things and put to death earthly desires through the power of the risen Christ.
History & Background
Written by Timothy Dudley-Smith in 1984 as a contemporary hymnic meditation on Colossians 3:1-4. The text appeared in various modern hymnals beginning in the 1980s-1990s and has become widely used in Lutheran and ecumenical worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 425
- Lutheran Service Book — 603
Bulletin Note
Timothy Dudley-Smith (1984) grounds this hymn in Colossians 3:1-4, connecting baptismal union with Christ to ethical transformation. The tune ST. PETERSBURG carries the majestic declaration across Long Meter's spacious lines.
Preaching Connection
This hymn powerfully joins justification to sanctification: the Gospel of our union with the risen Christ becomes the empowering basis for the Law's summons to holy living and heavenly vision.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Definition & Command of Baptism Small Catechism — Holy Baptism
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Eschatological awakening progressing from urgent call to watchfulness, through joyful recognition of Christ's coming, to doxological praise of the Trinity and union with the redeemed community
Themes
Resurrection life Sanctification Christian conduct Union with Christ Heavenly focus