We Walk by Faith and Not By Sight
We walk by faith and not by sight
The hymn embodies Lutheran confidence in God's promises despite human uncertainty, emphasizing that faith itself constitutes genuine sight in the spiritual realm. It reflects the Reformation conviction that believers rest on God's Word and promises rather than empirical experience or works.
History & Background
Henry Alford wrote this hymn in 1844 as part of his biblical commentary work, drawing from 2 Corinthians 5:7. It was first published in his collection 'Poetic Interpretations and Other Pieces' and has since become a standard hymn in Lutheran and ecumenical worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 536
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 635
- Gather 4th Edition — 740
- Glory to God — 817
- The Hymnal 1982 — 209
- Lutheran Service Book — 720
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 859
- New Century Hymnal — 256
- Voices Together — 570
- With One Voice — 675
Bulletin Note
Written by Henry Alford, an English clergyman and biblical scholar, in 1844. This hymn exemplifies nineteenth-century Protestant confidence in God's promises over human perception, anchoring faith in revelation rather than experience.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Reformation conviction that believers are justified by faith alone in God's Word, not by empirical sight or works; it becomes a congregational echo of the Gospel's claim that we are hidden in Christ, yet fully known and beloved.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological foundation (stanzas 1-2) moving to eschatological hope (stanzas 3-4): Christ as Creator-Redeemer in present experience, Christ as Judge and Glorifier in future consummation
Themes
faith and trust Christian pilgrimage reliance on God's promises vision of eternity walking with Christ