Now Christ the Sinless Son of God
Now Christ the sinless Son of God
The hymn emphasizes Christ's perfect sinlessness as the foundation for His redemptive sacrifice, central to Lutheran soteriology. It connects Christ's substitutionary atonement to the believer's justification by faith.
History & Background
This medieval Latin hymn was part of the liturgical tradition and later adapted for Lutheran hymnody. English translations appeared in various Lutheran hymnals beginning in the 19th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 141
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 205
Translation
Bulletin Note
This 15th-century hymn, sung to the beloved tune 'Jesu Dulcis Memoria,' anchors Lenten devotion in Christ's spotless substitution—the foundation of Lutheran teaching on justification by faith.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Law-Gospel dialectic: our sinfulness is laid bare, yet Christ's spotless sacrifice shatters condemnation and restores us through grace.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Penitential supplication to divine mercy and restoration
Themes
Christ's sinlessness Substitutionary atonement Sacrifice for sin Redemption through Christ