Join All the Glorious Names
Join all the glorious names
The hymn presents a comprehensive Christological affirmation through enumeration of Christ's titles—Savior, Lord, Redeemer, King—emphasizing His multifaceted work of redemption and present exaltation at God's right hand. This reflects Lutheran emphasis on Christ as the central figure of Scripture and the sole source of salvation through His substitutionary atonement.
History & Background
Written by Isaac Watts in the early 18th century, this hymn was first published in his 'Hymns and Spiritual Songs' (1709). It celebrates the various biblical names and titles of Christ, reflecting Watts' theological precision and poetic eloquence.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 298
- Trinity Hymnal — 524
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 220
Bulletin Note
Isaac Watts (1674–1748) composed this hymn in 1709, masterfully distilling Christological doctrine into accessible verse. Each stanza presents Christ's titles as windows into His saving work—a hymn that teaches theology through doxology.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's enumeration of Christ's titles deepens any proclamation of His redemptive work, moving hearers from the Gospel's gift of salvation to the Law's joyful call to adoration and submission to His lordship.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Second Article (Concerning Redemption) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From personal awakening to joyful praise, through recognition of God's redemptive love despite human ruin and opposition, to confident assurance of justification at the final judgment
Themes
Christ's exaltation Names of Christ Christology Heavenly intercession Christ's sacrifice