Salvation unto Us Has Come
Salvation unto us has come by God's free grace and favor
The great Reformation hymn of justification, presenting Luther's core doctrine in poetic form. The stanzas explain that salvation comes not from works but from God's free grace, that Christ's righteousness is imputed to believers, and that faith is the gift through which this righteousness is received. A doctrinal hymn of the first order.
History & Background
Written by Paul Speratus (1484-1551) in 1523, one of the earliest Lutheran hymns. It was included in the Achtliederbuch (1523-24), the first Lutheran hymnbook. A metrical paraphrase of the Reformation doctrine of justification by grace through faith. Translated by Richard Massie (1800-1887).
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 590
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 229
Bulletin Note
Salvation unto Us Has Come — Paul Speratus, 1523
Preaching Connection
Justification by grace through faith — the core Reformation doctrine in hymn form.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law's condemnation → Gospel's grace → Christ's redemption → Faith's assurance
Themes
Justification Grace Faith Reformation