We Who Once Were Dead
We who once were dead in sin
This hymn expresses core Lutheran soteriology emphasizing the radical nature of spiritual death and resurrection in Christ through grace alone. It reflects the Lutheran understanding of the Christian life as simultaneously living in both the old sinful nature and the new creation in Christ.
History & Background
Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1977 and published in the Lutheran Book of Worship (1978), this modern hymn text presents a contemporary articulation of the resurrection theme using traditional hymnic form and theological language.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 495
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 207
- Lutheran Service Book — 568
- Lutheran Worship — 374
Bulletin Note
Composed by Jaroslav Vajda in 1977, this modern hymn captures classical Lutheran theology: we live simultaneously in the dying old self and the risen new creation, both condemned by Law and justified by Gospel grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies Lutheran soteriology by dramatizing the Law's verdict of spiritual death and the Gospel's proclamation of resurrection, making it a powerful vehicle for preaching justification by grace through faith alone.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Original Sin Augsburg Confession
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
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
Resurrection and new life Justification by grace Christian rebirth The power of Christ