The Savior Kindly Calls
The Savior kindly calls
The hymn reflects Lutheran theology emphasizing Christ's grace extended unconditionally to all believers, particularly children who represent faith in its purest form. It connects to the doctrine of baptism and childlike faith as essential to the Christian life.
History & Background
This hymn appears in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 302 without attributed authorship. It became a standard children's hymn in Lutheran worship traditions emphasizing Christ's welcome of children.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 228
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 302
Bulletin Note
Anonymous hymn from 1800, set to the melody 'Jesus Loves Me.' Its emphasis on childlike faith and Christ's unconditional call reflects Lutheran conviction that God's grace precedes and enables all human response.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Gospel's triumph over the Law: Christ's loving summons to children and the simple-hearted teaches that grace operates not through achievement but through the gift of childlike trust in His Word.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law-Gospel movement: human righteousness exposed as insufficient (stanzas 1-2), Christ's alien righteousness imputed and clothing the believer (stanzas 3-4), concluding in faith-alone boasting
Themes
Jesus and children Invitation and welcome Gospel inclusivity Faith and innocence