Lamb of God, Pure and Holy
Lamb of God, pure and holy
This hymn expresses central Lutheran theology of Christ's substitutionary atonement, emphasizing Jesus as the Lamb sacrificed for the sins of the world. The text reflects both penitential concern for human sinfulness and confidence in God's grace through Christ's innocent suffering.
History & Background
Originally German hymn 'O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig' by Nicolai Decius, published 1531. English translation emerged in the 19th century as composite work adapting the German text for Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 336
- The Hymnal 1982 — 96
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 111
- Lutheran Service Book — 434
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 156
- Lutheran Worship — 208
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 146
- Voices Together — 269
Translation
Bulletin Note
Nicolai Decius composed this hymn in 1531 during the Reformation. Its Agnus Dei structure echoes the ancient liturgy while expressing the evangelical conviction that Christ alone bears away the world's sin.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran understanding of substitutionary atonement: it names our sin honestly, then proclaims that Christ's suffering on our behalf is the Gospel's final and sufficient word.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Confession of Sin Small Catechism — Confession
Themes
Atonement Redemption through Christ's sacrifice Lamb of God imagery Forgiveness of sins Eucharistic theology