Thy Works, Not Mine, O Christ
Thy works, not mine, O Christ
The hymn articulates the Lutheran doctrine of justification by faith alone (sola fide) through Christ's substitutionary sacrifice, rejecting all human merit and works-righteousness. It emphasizes the imputation of Christ's righteousness and provides comforting assurance of God's grace to the penitent sinner.
History & Background
Written by Scottish pastor and hymn writer Horatius Bonar in 1861, this hymn emphasizes the substitutionary atonement and justification by faith alone. It first appeared in Bonar's hymn collection and has been a staple of Protestant hymnody since its composition.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 571
- Lutheran Service Book — 565
- Lutheran Worship — 376
- Trinity Hymnal — 565
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 380
- With One Voice — 652
Bulletin Note
Written by Scottish hymnodist Horatius Bonar in 1861, this hymn distills the Reformation doctrine of justification by faith alone into verse, offering the penitent soul unflinching assurance grounded in Christ's substitutionary atonement rather than human merit.
Preaching Connection
This hymn powerfully embodies sola fide by exposing the law's indictment of our works-righteousness while proclaiming the gospel's gift of Christ's imputed righteousness—making it an ideal liturgical response to sermons on justification.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From personal evening rest in God's providence to cosmic affirmation of God's eternal kingdom, moving from individual conscience comfort to eschatological confidence
Themes
Justification by faith Christ's substitutionary work Righteousness through Christ Grace alone Assurance of salvation