Jesus! Name of Wondrous Love
Jesus! Name of wondrous love
The hymn strongly affirms the exclusivity of Christ for salvation (Acts 4:12), central to Lutheran soteriology and the confession that Christ alone is Lord and Savior. It emphasizes both the objective power of Jesus's name and the believer's personal appropriation of salvation through faith in that name.
History & Background
Written by William Walsham How in 1864, this hymn celebrates the redemptive power of Jesus's name. It was included in various Lutheran and Anglican hymnals throughout the 19th and 20th centuries and remains a beloved confessional hymn in modern Lutheran worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 849
- Lutheran Service Book — 900
- Lutheran Worship — 182
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 114
Bulletin Note
Written by English hymnologist William Walsham How in 1864, this hymn became a beloved confession of Christ's exclusive lordship in Protestant worship, reflecting the Reformation's 'sola Christus' principle.
Preaching Connection
This hymn articulates how the Gospel of Christ's name annihilates the Law's accusation, giving believers joyful confidence to invoke Jesus as their sole refuge and redemption.
Themes
Power of the Name of Jesus Salvation through Christ alone Invocation of Jesus's name Christian devotion and trust