The majestic Hymn of the Day, Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord (LSB #497), was written by Martin
Luther. In addition to writing catechism hymns for each of the six chief parts
of Christian doctrine, Luther wrote this one to help remember the third article
of the Apostles’ Creed. The chief teaching of the Christian faith—the doctrine
of salvation by faith rather than works—is clearly proclaimed throughout this
great hymn. Sing it confidently and boldly. The Holy Spirit has brought you to
faith, and by Word and Sacrament, He will continue to keep you in the one true
faith.
This chorale is based on the work of the third Person
of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Spirit, who is expressly celebrated on the Day of
Pentecost. The following shows
connections between each of the four statements of Luther’s meaning of the
Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed and portions of each stanza of “Come, Holy Ghost, God and Lord.”
Luther writes in his Table Talk: “The hymn ‘Come Holy Ghost, God and Lord,’ was composed by the Holy
Ghost himself, both words and music.”
Luther crafted the version known today by polishing the original German
stanza and also composing two additional stanzas to fit masterfully with the
first.
Ø I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength
believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has
called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me
in the true faith.
“With all Your
graces now outpoured on each believer’s mind and heart” (stanza 1)
Ø In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and
sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ
in the one true faith.
“Lord, by the
brightness of Your light in holy faith Your Church unite” (stanza 1)
“Let none but
Christ our master be that we in living faith abide, in Him, our Lord, with all
our might confide.” (stanza 2)
Ø In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives
all my sins and the sins of all believers.
“From every
error keep us free” (stanza 2)
Ø On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and
give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ.
“That bravely
here we may contend, through life and death to You, our Lord, ascend.” (stanza
3)
As mentioned earlier that the best hymns also teach
the Christian faith, it is worth noting that this chorale actually predates the
publication of Luther’s Small Catechism (1529).
Thanks be to God for this chorale’s expression of our Lutheran faith and
His work through the third Person of the Holy Trinity!
O God, who
gave Your Holy Spirit to the apostles, grant us that same Spirit that we may
live in faith and abide in peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who
lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen
Collect
from Lutheran Service Book copyright © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St.
Louis
Go
into all the world, copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
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