Jesus Sinners Does Receive
Jesus sinners does receive
The hymn exemplifies Lutheran emphasis on justification by faith alone, declaring Christ's merciful reception of sinners as central to the Gospel. It reflects the Reformation teaching that grace precedes and enables repentance, offering assurance through Christ's substitutionary work.
History & Background
Erdmann Neumeister composed this chorale text in 1718 as part of his Geistliche Kantaten (Spiritual Cantatas) for the church year. It gained prominence through Bach's use in cantatas and subsequent inclusion in German Protestant hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 611
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 291
- Lutheran Service Book — 609, 974
- Lutheran Worship — 229
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 324
Translation
Philip Schaff and Henry E. Jacobs
Bulletin Note
Written by Lutheran pastor Erdmann Neumeister in 1718, this hymn embodies Reformation faith in grace alone. Its sturdy Long Meter and NEUMARK tune have sustained Lutheran worship for three centuries, offering comfort to contrite hearts.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Law-Gospel movement: the law exposes our sin, but the Gospel announces that Jesus Himself receives sinners—making it an ideal sung response to preaching about justification by faith alone and the sufficiency of Christ's substitutionary work.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
grace repentance forgiveness of sins mercy justification