In One True God We All Believe
In one true God we all believe
In One True God We All Believe is a hymn text by Tobias Clausnitzer (1663) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in lw 276, tlh 253. Sung to GOTT SEI DANK.
This hymn serves as a doctrinal statement of orthodox Christian faith expressed in trinitarian structure, reflecting Luther's commitment to creedal Christianity. It demonstrates the Lutheran principle of using vernacular hymnody to teach essential Christian doctrine to believers of all ages.
History & Background
Written by Tobias Clausnitzer in 1663 as a hymnic exposition of the Apostles' Creed for Lutheran catechetical instruction. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1858 for her collection of German Lutheran hymns.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 276
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 253
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Lutheran pastor Tobias Clausnitzer in 1663, this hymn exemplifies the Reformation principle of teaching Christian doctrine through vernacular hymnody. It remains a doctrinal standard in many traditions.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran conviction that trinitarian doctrine is not abstract theology but living Gospel—the very proclamation of God's redeeming love through Father, Son, and Spirit made concrete in congregational song.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Apostles' Creed Three Ecumenical Creeds
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Proclamation of Christ's coming (St. 1-2) → Call to faithful discipleship and service (St. 3) → Doxological response in praise (St. 4)
Overview
A Creed hymn by Juraj Tranovský (Tranoscius), father of Slovak Lutheran hymnody, from his Cithara Sanctorum (1636). It versifies the Apostles' Creed article by article: one God, Creator (st. 1); the Son, conceived by the Spirit and born of a virgin (st. 2); crucified, dead, descended to hell to end Satan's reign (st. 3); risen the third day with a glorified body (st. 4), which did not see corruption (st. 5); ascended, interceding (st. 6); coming as Judge (st. 7); the Holy Spirit guiding the Church and binding the saints (st. 8); daily forgiveness (st. 9); the resurrection of the body and life everlasting (st. 10).
Central theme: The Apostles' Creed sung article by article, with the Lutheran emphases on Christ's descent, intercession and daily forgiveness
Structure
Ten 8.8.7.7 quatrains following the Creed: First Article (1) — Second Article (2-7) — Third Article (8-10).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel throughout; Law implied in judgment (7).
Confessional Connections
The Apostles' Creed (TLH's text). Notable Lutheran emphases: st. 3 — the descent into hell as triumph, 'to show of Satan's reign the end' (FC IX); st. 4 — 'Who for all sinners tasted death' (Heb 2:9; universal atonement, FC XI.28); st. 5 — Ps 16:10 'Your Holy One will not see corruption' (Acts 2:27-31); st. 6 — Christ's ongoing intercession (Rom 8:34); st. 9 — 'forgiveness of sins' as daily gift (SC Third Article: 'daily and richly forgives all my sins'); st. 8 — the Spirit 'guides the Church, a chosen host' and binds the saints (communion of saints; LC Creed III.47-53).
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Creed hymn in the Divine Service; Holy Trinity; catechesis; confirmation.
Historical Notes
Tranovský (1591-1637), born in Teschen, pastor at Liptovský Mikuláš; his Cithara Sanctorum (1636) became the Slovak Lutheran hymnal ('Tranoscius'). TLH's text was prepared by the Slovak Synod.
About the Tune
RESURGENTI NAZARENO (Bohemian/Slovak melody).
Scripture References
Gen 1:1 John 1:14 Luke 1:35 Matt 27:2 1 Pet 3:18-19 Col 2:15 Heb 2:9 1 Cor 15:4 Ps 16:10 Acts 2:27-31 Acts 1:9 Rom 8:34 Acts 10:42 John 16:13 1 John 1:9 1 Cor 15:42-44 John 11:25-26
Stanza by Stanza
We all believe in one true God and give all glory to his name. He is the Creator of all things in heaven, earth and sea.
'I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.' 'In the beginning, God created' (Gen 1:1). SC First Article.
- Scripture
- Gen 1:1, Ps 146:6, Deut 6:4
- Imagery & language
- One God; Creator; heaven, earth, sea.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the Creator's goodness.
- Connection to previous
- Creator.
We all believe in God's own Son, our Lord, the only-begotten, who by the Holy Spirit became man of a virgin.
'And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary.' 'The Holy Spirit will come upon you' (Luke 1:35). 'The only-begotten' (John 1:14, 18).
- Scripture
- John 1:14, Luke 1:35, Matt 1:18-23
- Imagery & language
- Only-begotten; Spirit; virgin.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — incarnation.
- Connection to previous
- Incarnate.
Crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered on the tree and died; to show the end of Satan's reign, he descended into hell.
'Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell.' 'He went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison' (1 Pet 3:19). Triumph over the powers (Col 2:15). FC IX.
- Scripture
- Matt 27:2, 1 Pet 3:18-19, Col 2:15
- Imagery & language
- Pilate; Tree; descent; Satan's end.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — death and victory.
- Connection to previous
- Crucified, descended.
The same Lord Christ of Nazareth, who tasted death for all sinners, rose with a glorified body on the third day after he died.
'That by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone' (Heb 2:9). 'He was raised on the third day' (1 Cor 15:4). The same Jesus who died is the one who rose (Luke 24:39).
- Scripture
- Heb 2:9, 1 Cor 15:4, Luke 24:39
- Imagery & language
- Tasted death for all; third day; glorified body.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — universal atonement; resurrection.
- Connection to previous
- Risen.
In full agreement with God's Word, this holy body of our Lord, though in death's grim grasp, would never see decay.
'You will not… let your Holy One see corruption' (Ps 16:10), applied by Peter to Christ's resurrection (Acts 2:27-31).
- Scripture
- Ps 16:10, Acts 2:27-31, Acts 13:35-37
- Imagery & language
- Holy body; no corruption.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — prophecy fulfilled.
- Connection to previous
- No corruption.
Then he ascended into heaven, where endless power was given to him; and there he graciously intercedes for us in all our needs.
'He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.' 'All authority… has been given to me' (Matt 28:18). 'Who indeed is interceding for us' (Rom 8:34).
- Scripture
- Acts 1:9, Matt 28:18, Rom 8:34, Heb 7:25
- Imagery & language
- Ascended; power; intercession.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the interceding Lord.
- Connection to previous
- Ascended.
From there he will come, as he once said, to judge the living and the dead. Righteous Judge, our Savior, come and take us to our heavenly home!
'From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.' 'He is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead' (Acts 10:42). The Judge is our Savior — so the prayer is 'Come!' (Rev 22:20).
- Scripture
- Acts 10:42, John 14:3, Rev 22:20
- Imagery & language
- Return; Judge; our Savior; home.
- Law / Gospel
- Law — judgment; Gospel — the Judge is Savior.
- Connection to previous
- Judge.
We all confess the Holy Spirit, who guides the Church, a chosen people, and binds the saints together in purest love here on earth and there above.
'I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints.' 'He will guide you into all the truth' (John 16:13). One Church on earth and in heaven (Heb 12:22-23).
- Scripture
- John 16:13, 1 Pet 2:9, Heb 12:22-23
- Imagery & language
- Holy Ghost; Church; saints bound in love.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — the Church gathered.
- Connection to previous
- The Church.
And we cling to this truth too: that we receive forgiveness, true peace, joy and sweet comfort daily from the Comforter.
'The forgiveness of sins.' SC Third Article: 'In this Christian Church He daily and richly forgives all my sins.' 'If we confess our sins, he is faithful… to forgive' (1 John 1:9).
- Scripture
- 1 John 1:9, John 20:22-23, Rom 14:17
- Imagery & language
- Forgiveness; peace; daily; Paraclete.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — daily forgiveness.
- Connection to previous
- Forgiveness.
Our bodies will rise from death to endless life beyond the skies; by grace through Jesus we will rest in heaven, blessed forever.
'The resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.' 'Sown perishable… raised imperishable' (1 Cor 15:42-44). 'I am the resurrection and the life' (John 11:25-26). 'By grace… through faith' (Eph 2:8).
- Scripture
- 1 Cor 15:42-44, John 11:25-26, Eph 2:8
- Imagery & language
- Bodies arise; endless life; by grace.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — resurrection and life.
- Connection to previous
- Resurrection.
Themes
Trinitarian faith Apostles' Creed Christian confession Unity of believers God's sovereignty