We Sing the Praise of Him Who Died
We sing the praise of him who died
This hymn embodies Lutheran soteriology by focusing on Christ's vicarious death as the basis of justification and salvation, central to Reformed and Lutheran theology alike. The text reflects the Reformation conviction that Christ's atoning work is the ground of faith and the object of Christian praise.
History & Background
Written by Irish hymn writer Thomas Kelly in 1809, this hymn celebrates the centrality of Christ's crucifixion to Christian faith and salvation. It was first published in Kelly's collection and has remained a standard Easter and Passion hymn in Lutheran and other Protestant hymnals for over two centuries.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 359
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 344
- Lutheran Service Book — 429
- Lutheran Worship — 118
- Trinity Hymnal — 247
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 178
Bulletin Note
Written by Irish Methodist hymnist Thomas Kelly in 1809, this hymn captures Reformation conviction about Christ's vicarious atonement, making it treasured across Lutheran and Reformed traditions as a confession of justifying grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the movement from Law to Gospel: it acknowledges our need for Christ's atoning death while proclaiming the sufficiency and power of His sacrifice to justify us before God.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Call to spiritual warfare → empowerment through Christ → equipment with God's promises → sustained struggle and victory
Themes
Atonement and redemption Christ's sacrifice Cross and salvation Praise and adoration Faith and assurance