Spirit of God Sent from Heaven Abroad
Spirit of God, sent from heaven abroad
The hymn emphasizes the Holy Spirit's active role in sanctification and Christian conduct, reflecting Lutheran theology's balance between justification and the Spirit-empowered life. It connects Pentecost's gift to ongoing spiritual transformation in the believer.
History & Background
Martin Behm wrote this German hymn in the early 17th century as part of his devotional poetry for the Lutheran church. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863, making it available for English-speaking Lutheran congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 285
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1557–1622) composed this hymn in 1610, rooted in Lutheran Pentecost theology: the Spirit sanctifies believers through instruction and empowerment, connecting justification's gift to transformed living.
Preaching Connection
This hymn develops the Lutheran tension between Law and Gospel by presenting the Spirit as both the voice calling us to obedience and the power enabling us to answer that call.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from the demand of belief and baptism, through Christ's redemptive work and Spirit-empowered perseverance, to doxological assurance of eternal inheritance
Themes
Holy Spirit Sanctification Christian living Divine empowerment