Lord of Glory Who hast Bought Us
Lord of glory, who hast bought us
The hymn reflects Lutheran understanding of the Christian's grateful response to redemption, emphasizing that Christ's sacrificial purchase obligates believers to lives of service and stewardship. It combines forensic atonement theology with practical ethics, demonstrating how Gospel grace motivates sanctified living.
History & Background
Written by Elvina Margaret Hall in 1865, this American hymn emphasizes stewardship and sacrificial service as a response to Christ's redemption. It was first published in hymnals in the late 19th century and has remained a standard stewardship hymn in Lutheran hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 712
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 424
- Lutheran Service Book — 851
- Lutheran Worship — 402
- Trinity Hymnal — 534
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 442
- With One Voice — 740
Bulletin Note
Written by Elvina Margaret Hall in 1865, this hymn embodies Lutheran theology by coupling forensic atonement—Christ's purchased redemption—with practical ethics, showing how grace compels grateful sacrifice.
Preaching Connection
This hymn powerfully demonstrates how the Gospel of Christ's costliest sacrifice becomes the motivating force for the Law's demand: that we deny ourselves and take up our cross in faithful stewardship.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological anticipation (St. 1-2) → Incarnational paradox (St. 3) → Pneumatological reign (St. 4)
Themes
Redemption and sacrifice Christian stewardship Love of Christ Self-denial and service Gospel proclamation