Jesus Christ, Our Blessed Savior, Who Hath Death

Tune: Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der den Tod

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  1. Jesus Christ, our blessèd Savior,
    Who hath death triumphed o’er,
    Is now arisen,
    And sin hath He imprisoned.
    Kyrie eleison!
    Kyrieleison!

  2. He whose sinless blood was shed
    Bore God’s wrath in our stead.
    He is our Savior
    And brings to us God’s favor.
    Kyrie eleison!
    Kyrieleison!

  3. Death and sin, both life and grace,
    All His hands do embrace.
    He can deliver
    All those who seek His favor.
    Kyrie eleison!
    Kyrieleison!

Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der den Tod
Martin Luther, 1524
Tr. composite


German Text

Tune: Jesus Christus, unser Heiland, der den Tod

  1. Jesus Christus, unser Heiland,
    Der den Tod überwand,
    Ist auferstanden,
    Die Sünd hat er gefangen,
    Kyrie eleison!
    Kyrieleison!

  2. Der ohn Sünden war geborn,
    Trug für uns Gottes Zorn,
    Hat er versöhnet,
    Daß uns Gott sein Huld gönnet,
    Kyrie eleison!
    Kyrieleison!

  3. Tod, Sünd, Leben und Genad,
    Alls in Händen er hat.
    Er kann erretten
    Alle, die zu ihm treten,
    Kyrie eleison!
    Kyrieleison!

Martin Luther, 1524
Source: C.F.W. Walther’s Kirchen-Gesangbuch, 1898 printing, No. 110


 


Martin Luther

Martin Luther, 1483–1546, portrait by Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1533


Author: Martin Luther
Source: Eyn Enchiridion oder Handbüchlein, Erfurt, 1524

This brief and simple Easter hymn is entirely Luther’s own composition. It celebrates the Resurrection of Our Lord as His glorious triumph over sin and death, while also proclaiming His substitutionary death on our behalf, by which He suffered God’s wrath against our sin. The hymn appeared in the Erfurt Enchiridion, 1524, as well as Johann Walter’s Geystliche gesangk Buchleyn, Wittenberg, 1524.

The English text is a composite translation prepared for the Free Lutheran Chorale-Book. Both text and music may be used and reproduced for any purpose whatever, and are offered with the prayer that they may serve for the edification of Christian people everywhere.

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