Now Let Triumphant Faith Dispel
Now let triumphant faith dispel
The hymn expresses classic Lutheran Easter theology: the power of faith to overcome death through Christ's resurrection and the comfort of the Gospel in affliction. It emphasizes that Christian victory comes not from human strength but from triumphant faith in the risen Christ.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this hymn in German as 'Herzlich tut mich verlangen,' though this English text derives from his broader Easter hymn tradition. John C. Mattes translated and adapted the hymn into English in the early twentieth century.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 197
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1610) composed this L.M. hymn for the German Reformed tradition. Its steady meter and resolute theology made it a staple of Lutheran hymnody, expressing how faith in the risen Christ dispels the Law's condemnation with Gospel certainty.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the heart of Lutheran Easter proclamation: where the Law condemns us to death, the Gospel's announcement of Christ risen transforms terror into triumph—not by denying death's reality, but by proclaiming faith's victory over it.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from the demand to love God completely (St. 1) through confession of sin and need for Christ's redemption (St. 2), to the Holy Spirit's sustaining comfort (St. 3), culminating in trinitarian confidence and eschatological hope (St. 4)
Themes
Resurrection faith Victory over death Spiritual warfare Comfort in affliction