That Day of Wrath That Dreadful Day
That day of wrath, that dreadful day
This hymn presents a sobering Lutheran eschatology emphasizing both divine judgment and the hope of resurrection through Christ. The text balances the terrifying prospect of God's wrath with confidence in Christ's intercession, reflecting Lutheran emphasis on justification by faith alone before the judge.
History & Background
This hymn is a paraphrase of the Latin Dies Irae sequence, originally composed in medieval times and traditionally attributed to Thomas of Celano (13th century). Walter Brute's English translation/adaptation dates to the early 16th century and became influential in English Protestant hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 612
Bulletin Note
Written by Walter Brute in 1520, this hymn draws on medieval dies irae tradition but reshapes it with Lutheran confidence in Christ's advocacy and justification by faith alone, not works.
Preaching Connection
This hymn powerfully illustrates the movement from Law to Gospel: it strips away false comfort with the reality of judgment, then pivots entirely to Christ's intercession as the sole ground of salvation—a model for faithful proclamation.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law dominates: cosmic judgment, human terror, resurrection of all, accountability before God. Gospel implicit in final stanzas (resurrection as divine act, not annihilation).
Themes
Last Judgment Divine wrath and mercy Eschatology Repentance Grace