Our Paschal Lamb, That Sets Us Free
Our Paschal Lamb, that sets us free
The hymn articulates central Lutheran soteriology by presenting Christ as the fulfillment of the Passover sacrifice, emphasizing both forensic redemption (freedom from sin) and participatory renewal (unleavened bread of sincerity). It connects Old Testament shadow to New Testament reality, teaching believers their incorporation into Christ's paschal mystery through faith.
History & Background
Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this hymn directly expounds the Paschal Lamb theology of 1 Corinthians 5:7-8, connecting Old Testament Passover imagery with Christ's redemptive work. It was included in Lutheran Worship (1982) and subsequent Lutheran Service Book (2006).
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 383
- Lutheran Service Book — 473
- Lutheran Worship — 222
- With One Voice — 679
Bulletin Note
Composed by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this hymn retrieves the Paschal Lamb christology central to Luther's theology, wedding Old Testament type to New Testament fulfillment in accessible, singable verse.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement: it names our bondage to sin while anchoring our freedom entirely in Christ's substitutionary sacrifice, making it a powerful response to proclamation of redemption through the cross.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From personal awakening to joyful praise, through recognition of God's redemptive love despite human ruin and opposition, to confident assurance of justification at the final judgment
Themes
Redemption through Christ's sacrifice Passover fulfillment Freedom from sin Easter celebration