Lord Tis Not that I did Choose You
Lord, 'tis not that I did choose Thee
The hymn expresses the Lutheran doctrine of justification by grace alone, emphasizing that salvation originates entirely from God's sovereign choice rather than human merit or decision. It affirms the Reformation principle of monergistic grace while presenting the comfort and assurance found in Christ's electing love.
History & Background
Written by Josiah Conder, a Congregationalist minister and hymn writer, and first published in 1824. The text has been widely adopted in Lutheran hymnals and reflects Reformed theology of divine election.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 701
- Lutheran Service Book — 573
- Lutheran Worship — 378
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 37
Bulletin Note
Josiah Conder (1824) captures Reformation truth: salvation springs from God's sovereign election, not human decision. The hymn's simplicity and directness have made it a cherished voice of Lutheran assurance across centuries.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Gospel's response to human helplessness: when the Law exposes our inability to choose God rightly, the Gospel announces that God has already chosen us—a comfort that amplifies the joy of justification by grace alone.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law-Gospel movement: human righteousness exposed as insufficient (stanzas 1-2), Christ's alien righteousness imputed and clothing the believer (stanzas 3-4), concluding in faith-alone boasting
Themes
Election and predestination God's initiative in salvation Justification by grace Union with Christ