We All Believe in One True God Father
We all believe in one true God
This hymn provides a poetic exposition of the Apostles' Creed, affirming Trinitarian doctrine and the fundamental articles of Christian faith in accessible, congregational language. It exemplifies Lutheran commitment to catechetical instruction through hymnody and the ecumenical importance of the ancient creeds.
History & Background
Originally composed in German as 'Wir glauben all an einen Gott' by Tobias Clausnitzer in 1661, this hymn was first published in the German hymnals of the Lutheran tradition. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her 1868 collection, becoming the standard English version used in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 411
- Lutheran Service Book — 953
- Lutheran Worship — 212
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 252
Translation
Bulletin Note
Tobias Clausnitzer (1661) composed this creedal hymn to teach Lutheran doctrine through song. Its clear Trinitarian structure and accessible verse made catechesis inseparable from worship—a model Luther himself championed.
Preaching Connection
This hymn expounds the Apostles' Creed as a poetic journey from creation and judgment (Law) through Christ's redemptive death and the Spirit's cleansing grace (Gospel), making it a powerful congregational echo of trinitarian proclamation.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Apostles' Creed Three Ecumenical Creeds
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
Trinitarian faith Apostolic confession Divine attributes Christian unity God's sovereignty