If Thy Beloved Son O God
If Thy beloved Son, O God
The hymn articulates the Lutheran doctrine of justification by faith alone, emphasizing that salvation comes through Christ's merit rather than human works. It reflects the evangelical core of Reformation theology with its focus on God's grace as the sole means of redemption.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this hymn as part of his devotional poetry in early 17th-century Germany. The text was translated into English by Catherine Winkworth in her influential collection of German hymn translations published in 1863.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 568
- Lutheran Worship — 298
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 375
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Martin Behm in 1610, this hymn anchors the Lutheran evangelical core—salvation through Christ's merit received by faith—in memorable verse, shaped by the O Gott tune to lodge deeply in memory and heart.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes Luther's doctrine of justification by faith alone, making it a powerful sung response to any proclamation that distinguishes human inability from God's sufficiency in Christ.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Justification by faith Grace of God Trust in Christ Redemption through Christ