Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

The Lamb

The Lamb, the Lamb, O worthy Lamb of God

The Lamb is a hymn text by Sylvia G. Dunstan (1991) in Irregular meter. Found in CW21 525, CWS 714, elw 361, hs98 822. Sung to LAMB OF GOD.

The hymn embodies Lutheran emphasis on Christ's substitutionary atonement and the centrality of the Lamb's sacrifice for human redemption. It connects the heavenly worship of Revelation with earthly liturgical participation, affirming both the finished work of Christ and the Church's eschatological hope.

History & Background

Written by Canadian poet and hymn writer Sylvia G. Dunstan in 1991, this contemporary hymn directly engages the vision of Revelation 5 with its antiphonal structure celebrating Christ as the worthy Lamb. The text was included in Lutheran Service Book (2006) as a response to the scriptural witness of the Lamb's worthiness and redemptive power.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 525
  • Christian Worship: Supplement — 714
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 361
  • Hymnal Supplement 98 — 822
  • Lutheran Service Book — 547

Bulletin Note

Composed by Sylvia G. Dunstan in 1991, this hymn draws from Revelation's vision of heavenly worship to affirm Christ's substitutionary sacrifice as the sole basis of human redemption and the Church's eternal communion.

Preaching Connection

This hymn amplifies the Gospel's declaration that Christ's finished work on the cross alone satisfies God's justice and opens the way to grace, moving the hearer from the weight of sin to the assurance of access to God.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (recognition of sin and Christ's sacrifice) to Gospel (assurance of pardon through Christ's intercession and blood)

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Lent 5 (3×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Epiphany 2 (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Christ's sacrifice Redemption through Christ Lamb of God Worthy of praise Eschatological joy

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