Seek Where You May to Find a Way
Seek where you may to find a way
The hymn vigorously proclaims the exclusivity of Christ as humanity's only means of salvation, directly echoing the Reformation's soteriological convictions and opposing late medieval works-righteousness. It exemplifies Lutheran evangelical confidence in Christ alone, reflecting the central concerns of the Augsburg Confession.
History & Background
Originally published as a German hymn by Selnecker in his 1572 hymnal, this confession of Christ as the only way of salvation became widely used in Lutheran worship. The English text represents a composite translation adapted for Lutheran hymnals over the twentieth century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 557
- Lutheran Worship — 358
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 383
Translation
Bulletin Note
Nicolai Selnecker (1572) wrote this hymn to combat late medieval works-righteousness. Its exclusivist Christology—"seek where you may, find nothing but Christ"—became a hallmark of Lutheran evangelical conviction and remains a stirring confession of grace alone.
Preaching Connection
This hymn powerfully names the Law's verdict on all human striving, then pivots to proclaim the Gospel's exclusive sufficiency: Christ alone is the way, truth, and life—a proclamation that demands both repentance and confident faith.
Themes
Christ as sole salvation Exclusivity of faith in Christ Rejection of human works Gospel assurance