In Christ Alone
In Christ alone my hope is found
The hymn articulates a thoroughly Lutheran emphasis on Christ as the sole foundation of salvation, echoing the sola Christus principle central to the Reformation. It affirms justification through faith in Christ's work rather than human achievement, aligning with Lutheran soteriological teaching.
History & Background
Written in 2001 by Northern Irish songwriter Keith Getty and English contemporary Christian musician Stuart Townend, this modern hymn has become one of the most widely sung hymns in contemporary worship. It was first recorded by Getty and Townend and subsequently included in Lutheran hymnals beginning with ELW in 2006.
Hymnal Appearances
- All Creation Sings — 1101
- Baptist Hymnal — 506
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — ELW 802
- Glory to God — 363
- Lutheran Service Book — LSB 740
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 770
- Voices Together — 627
Bulletin Note
Written in 2001 by Northern Irish composer Keith Getty and English songwriter Stuart Townend, 'In Christ Alone' has become a modern classic affirming the Reformation principle that Christ alone is our salvation's foundation.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes sola Christus by moving from Christ's role as judge and standard (the Law's mirror) to his sufficiency as Savior and ground of peace (the Gospel's comfort), making it ideal for sermons exploring how the cross answers both our guilt and our deepest spiritual hunger.
Themes
Christ as foundation Justification by faith Assurance of salvation Christ's redemptive work Dependence on Christ