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Wide Open Stand the Gates

Wide open stand the gates of light

Wide Open Stand the Gates is a hymn text by Gerhard Wolters (1959) in 8.7.8.7 D meter. Translated by Gerhard Wolters. Found in CW21 664, elw 727, lsb 639, lw 407. Sung to WACHET AUF.

This hymn expresses the Lutheran eschatological vision of the Church Triumphant joining in eternal praise before God's throne, reflecting the communion of saints doctrine. It emphasizes Christ's redemptive work as the basis for entrance into heaven, central to Lutheran soteriology and the doctrine of justification.

History & Background

Gerhard Wolters composed both text and tune in 1959 as a modern hymn celebrating heavenly worship and the resurrection. It was first published in Lutheran hymnals in the 1960s-1970s and has become a significant Easter and eschatological hymn in contemporary Lutheran worship.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Christian Worship: Hymnal — 664
  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 727
  • Lutheran Service Book — 639
  • Lutheran Worship — 407

Translation

Gerhard Wolters

Bulletin Note

Written by Gerhard Wolters in 1959, this hymn sets the Lutheran vision of the Church Triumphant to the beloved tune 'Wachet Auf,' uniting earthly and heavenly worship in Christ's victory.

Preaching Connection

This hymn amplifies the pure Gospel proclamation: the gates are open because Christ has conquered death, offering assurance that silences all accusations of the Law.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Eschatological awakening progressing from urgent call to watchfulness, through joyful recognition of Christ's coming, to doxological praise of the Trinity and union with the redeemed community

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • All Saints (4×)
  • Pentecost (3×)
  • Trinity 3 (3×)
  • Advent 2 (2×)
  • Ascension (2×)
  • Maundy Thursday (2×)
  • Sexagesima (2×)
  • Trinity 10 (2×)
  • Easter 6 (1×)
  • St. Barnabas (1×)
  • St. Bartholomew (1×)
  • Sts. Philip and James (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Proper 14 (2×)
  • All Saints (1×)
  • Easter 5 (1×)
  • Lent 2 (1×)
  • Proper 16 (1×)
  • Proper 4 (1×)
  • Transfiguration (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

heavenly worship Christ's victory eternal glory communion of saints eschatology

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