We All Believe in One True God Father
We all believe in one true God
We All Believe in One True God Father is a hymn text by Tobias Clausnitzer (1661) in 8.7.8.7.8.8.7 meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in CW21 941, CW93 271, ELH 37, elw 411. Sung to LIEBSTER JESU.
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
- Christian Worship: Hymnal — 941
- Christian Worship — 271
- Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 37
- 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
Background Research
Luther's paraphrase of the Nicene Creed, first printed in Johann Walter's Eyn geystlich Gesangk Buchleyn (Wittenberg, 1524); three stanzas, one per article of the Creed. From memory (not in this source): it grew from a one-stanza late-medieval German Creed song, and in the Deutsche Messe (1526) it replaced the Latin Credo. Settings: Schütz (SWV 303) and Bach's Clavier-Übung III (BWV 680, 681). Source: Wikipedia 'Wir glauben all an einen Gott'.
Overview
A short metrical Apostles' Creed by Tobias Clausnitzer (author of 'Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word'). Each stanza summarizes one article: the triune God as creator and help (st. 1), Christ's incarnation and redemption (st. 2), and the Spirit who comforts (st. 3). It is sung in place of the spoken Creed. Not to be confused with Luther's longer creedal hymn (TLH 251) on the same opening words.
Central theme: The Christian faith confessed in three articles
Structure
One stanza per article of the Creed.
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel confession; 'misery' named as what Christ's cross rescues from.
Confessional Connections
Apostles' Creed. St. 3 'Who from both fore'er proceeds' confesses the Filioque (the Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son), as in the Western Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed.
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
In place of the Creed in the Divine Service; Holy Trinity; Confirmation.
Historical Notes
Clausnitzer (1619-1684) wrote it in 1668. TLH 251 (Luther's 'Maker' creed) and 252 share opening words.
About the Tune
WIR GLAUBEN ALL AN EINEN GOTT (metrical setting) — distinct from the chant-like tune of Luther's creed (TLH 251).
Scripture References
Deut 6:4 Matt 28:19 Ps 46:1 Gen 1:1 Gal 4:4 Phil 2:6-8 Col 1:20 John 15:26 John 14:16
Stanza by Stanza
We all believe in one true God — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — always present to help, praised by all heaven, by whose power alone everything is made and done.
'We all believe' — the Creed is the church's common confession. 'One true God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost' — the Trinity in one line (Deut 6:4; Matt 28:19). 'Ever-present Help in need' (Ps 46:1). 'By whose mighty power alone / All is made and wrought and done' — creation and providence (Gen 1:1; Heb 1:3). Note that the First Article here already names all three Persons, since creation is the work of the whole Trinity.
- Scripture
- Deut 6:4, Matt 28:19, Ps 46:1, Gen 1:1, Heb 1:3, Col 1:16
- Imagery & language
- Creed; help in need.
- Law / Gospel
- Confession — First Article.
- Connection to previous
- First article.
We believe in Jesus Christ, Son of God and son of Mary, who came down from his throne and won salvation for us; by his cross and death we are rescued from all misery.
'Son of God and Mary's Son' — two natures in one person. 'Descended from His throne' (Phil 2:6-8; John 6:38). 'For us salvation won' — the Nicene 'for us and for our salvation.' 'By whose cross and death' — the atonement is the center of the Second Article (Col 1:20). 'Rescued from all misery' — Luther's explanation: 'redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil.'
- Scripture
- Gal 4:4, Luke 1:35, Phil 2:6-8, John 6:38, Col 1:20, 1 Pet 1:18-19
- Imagery & language
- Throne; cross; rescue.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — Second Article.
- Connection to previous
- Second article.
We confess the Holy Spirit, who proceeds eternally from Father and Son, who upholds and comforts us in every trial, fear, and need; praise forever to the blessed Trinity.
'Who from both fore'er proceeds' — the Filioque (John 15:26; 16:7), confessed in the Western church and the Lutheran Confessions. 'Who upholds and comforts' — the Spirit as Paraclete (John 14:16). The stanza is brief on the church and forgiveness compared with the Creed, focusing on comfort. The Trinitarian doxology closes.
- Scripture
- John 15:26, John 16:7, John 14:16, Rom 8:26, 2 Cor 13:14
- Imagery & language
- Proceeding; comfort.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — Third Article.
- Connection to previous
- Third article and doxology.
Themes
Trinitarian faith Apostolic confession Divine attributes Christian unity God's sovereignty