Jesus All Our Ransom Paid

Jesus All Our Ransom Paid is a hymn text by Lazarus Spengler (1524) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in lw 377, tlh 185.

The hymn embodies Lutheran soteriology with its emphasis on Christ's redemptive work as a ransom for human sin, reflecting the substitutionary atonement doctrine central to Lutheran theology. It celebrates the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice and the assurance of salvation through faith in His finished work.

History & Background

Written by Lazarus Spengler, a Nuremberg reformer and hymnodist, in 1524 during the early Lutheran movement. The hymn was translated into English by Catherine Winkworth in the mid-19th century and has appeared in major Lutheran hymnals since then.

Hymnal Appearances

• Lutheran Worship — 377
• The Lutheran Hymnal — 185

Translation

Catherine Winkworth

Bulletin Note

Penned by Lazarus Spengler in 1524, this hymn embodies core Lutheran conviction: Christ's sacrifice is sufficient and complete. Spengler, a Nuremberg reformer, gave the church a meditation on ransomed freedom.

Preaching Connection

This hymn crystallizes the substitutionary atonement: it names our bondage to sin (Law) and announces Christ's ransom payment (Gospel), making it a perfect sung response to any proclamation of justification by faith alone.

Background Research

TLH 185, Part VI of Pollock's Seven Words litany: "It is finished" (John 19:30). The part number follows from the confirmed sequence (V = 184, VII = 186). Tune SEPTEM VERBA (Schumacher, 1939). For Pollock's biography see r815.

Overview

The Sixth Word: 'It is finished.' One of seven short litany hymns by Thomas B. Pollock on the Seven Words from the cross (TLH 180-186), each stanza ending 'Hear us, holy Jesus,' written for the Good Friday Three Hours devotion. The ransom fully paid, the Father's will obeyed, Christ 'perfect made' through suffering (st. 1); save us in distress and help us grow in holiness (st. 2); brighten our way until we reach perfect day (st. 3). The movement is from a finished work to a life still on the way.

Central theme: The finished atonement as the ground of our help, growth and hope

Structure

Three tercets with refrain. Finished work (1) — help and holiness (2) — the way to perfect day (3).

Law & Gospel Shape

Gospel: 'all our ransom paid'; 'Save us in our soul's distress.' Sanctification follows (2).

Confessional Connections

John 19:30 (TLH's text): tetelestai, 'It is finished.' The ransom is complete — nothing remains to be paid by us or offered again (AC XXIV.25-30 against sacrifices for the living and dead; Ap IV). 'By Thy sufferings perfect made' (Heb 2:10; 5:9) — not that Christ lacked holiness, but that he completed his office as Savior through suffering. St. 2: holiness grows as fruit of the finished work (AC VI; FC IV), never as addition to it.

Liturgical Use (Study Notes)

Good Friday (Tre Ore, Sixth Word); Lent.

Historical Notes

Pollock (1836-1896), an Anglican priest serving the poor at St. Alban's, Birmingham, published the Seven Words litanies in 1870 (Metrical Litanies).

About the Tune

SEPTEM VERBA (Bernhard Schumacher, 1939) — apparently composed for TLH (verify) and used for all seven Pollock hymns.

Scripture References

John 19:30 Mark 10:45 John 4:34 Phil 2:8 Heb 2:10 Heb 5:8-9 Ps 46:1 2 Pet 3:18 1 Thess 4:3 Prov 4:18 Rev 21:23-25

Stanza by Stanza

Themes

Redemption through Christ Atonement Victory over sin and death Justification by faith

Look Further

• Search Hymnary.org for "Jesus All Our Ransom Paid" ↗