Lord Jesus Christ My Savior Blest
Lord Jesus Christ, my Savior blest
The hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of Christ's vicarious atonement and the believer's confidence in salvation through His passion and death. It emphasizes the forensic dimension of justification central to Lutheran soteriology.
History & Background
Originally written as a German hymn, this text was translated or adapted by Matthias Loy for use in American Lutheran hymnals during the late 19th century. It appears in The Hymnal (1880) and subsequent Lutheran hymnals emphasizing evangelical piety.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 393
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 353
Bulletin Note
Matthias Loy (1828–1915), Lutheran pastor and hymnist, wrote this text in 1880. Set to the sturdy German tune JESUS CHRISTUS, UNSER HEILAND, it reflects classic Lutheran confidence in Christ's substitutionary passion.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the forensic heart of Lutheran soteriology: the law condemns our sin, but the gospel proclaims Christ's vicarious atonement as the ground of our justification and peace.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ as fulfillment of law and source of grace; from petition for mercy through faith to healing and resurrection glory
Themes
Christ's suffering and redemption Assurance of salvation Penitence and forgiveness Christological focus