The Son of God Our Christ the Word the Way
The Son of God our Christ the Word the Way
The hymn presents Christ as the eternal Word of God (Logos theology) and emphasizes His incarnational and redemptive significance in Lutheran understanding. It connects the pre-incarnate Word with Jesus Christ's earthly ministry and saving work.
History & Background
Written in French by Reformed theologian Frederic Louis Godet and translated into English by J. M. C. Crum in 1927. The hymn emphasizes the centrality of Christ as God's Word made flesh and the means of salvation.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 584
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 434
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Swiss Reformed theologian Frederic Louis Godet in 1877, this hymn draws on classical Logos theology to proclaim Christ as both eternal Word and incarnate Savior—central to Lutheran Christology.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's Logos theology powerfully announces the Gospel's answer to human searching: in Christ the Word, divine wisdom and redemptive love become concrete and accessible, fulfilling what the Law could only demand.
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
Christ as Word of God Incarnation Redemption through Christ Christ as the Way