The Only Son from Heaven is a timeless Christian hymn that proclaims the divinity of Christ, His victory over death, and the call to worship the Holy Trinity. Rooted in biblical truth, this song reflects on Jesus as the promised Savior, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the light that leads believers to eternal life.
VERSE 1
The only Son from heaven,
Foretold by ancient seers,
By God the Father given,
In human form appears.
No sphere His light confining,
No star so brightly shining
As He, our Morning Star.
VERSE 2
O time of God appointed,
O bright and holy morn!
He comes, the King anointed,
The Christ, the virgin-born,
Grim death to vanquish for us,
To open heaven before us
And bring us life again.
VERSE 3
O Lord, our hearts awaken
To know and love You more,
In faith to stand unshaken,
In Spirit to adore,
That we, through this world moving,
Each glimpse of heaven proving,
May reap its fullness there.
VERSE 4
O Father, here before You
With God the Holy Ghost
And Jesus, we adore You,
O pride of angel host:
Before You mortals lowly
Cry, “Holy, holy, holy,
O blessed Trinity!”
Story Behind the Song
Elisabeth Cruciger, born around 1500, was a pioneering female hymn writer during the Reformation. Originally a nun, she left the convent and embraced the teachings of Martin Luther, becoming part of his inner circle. In 1524, her hymn “The Only Son from Heaven” (“Herr Christ, der einig Gotts Sohn”) was published in the Erfurt Enchiridion, one of the earliest Lutheran hymnals.[1]
This hymn stands out as one of the first Protestant chorales to blend Lutheran theology with elements of medieval mysticism, reflecting Cruciger’s spiritual journey from convent life to Reformation ideals. Its inclusion in the Erfurt Enchiridion, alongside hymns by Luther and other reformers, highlights its significance in early Lutheran worship.[2]
Over the centuries, “The Only Son from Heaven” has been incorporated into various hymnals and has inspired numerous musical settings, including Johann Sebastian Bach’s chorale cantata BWV 96. Its enduring presence in Christian liturgy underscores its theological depth and historical importance.[3]
Christ’s Victory and Divine Light
The song proclaims the coming of Christ, His victory over death, and the response of faith and worship. The only Son from heaven speaks of Jesus’ divine origin and fulfillment of prophecy. John 1:14 declares, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
His light is not confined, surpassing all earthly sources, just as Revelation 22:16 calls Him the “bright Morning Star.” His arrival was foretold by ancient seers, fulfilling Isaiah 7:14, which promises the virgin birth of Immanuel.
He comes, the King anointed affirms Jesus as the promised Messiah, sent at God’s appointed time. Psalm 2:2 foretells the anointed One, while Galatians 4:4 states, “When the set time had fully come, God sent his Son.”
His mission was grim death to vanquish for us, securing victory over sin and the grave. First Corinthians 15:54 proclaims, “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
Through His resurrection, He opens heaven before us, making a way for eternal life, fulfilling John 14:6, where Jesus declares, “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
O Lord, our hearts awaken is a prayer for deeper faith and unwavering devotion. Ephesians 1:18 asks for hearts to be enlightened, while Hebrews 12:28 calls believers to worship God with reverence and awe. Each glimpse of heaven proving reflects how believers experience God’s presence now, anticipating the fullness of His kingdom.
Luke 17:21 reminds us that “the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Faith stands unshaken when rooted in God’s truth, echoing Psalm 16:8: “I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.”
Before You mortals lowly cry, Holy, holy, holy is an acknowledgment of God’s supreme holiness. This echoes Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8, where heaven continually worships the Lord Almighty.
The song exalts the Trinity, aligning with Matthew 28:19, which commands baptism in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Worship is the only fitting response to the One who reigns forever.
The lyrics remain theologically sound, deeply rooted in Scripture. Christ’s coming, His triumph over death, and the call to worship the triune God form a powerful message. True faith is marked by unwavering trust, active worship, and a life transformed by the presence of Christ.
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Bible Readings for Worship
- Bible Verses on Pursuing Our Dreams
- Jesus Our Living Hope
- Like a Tree Planted by Streams of Water (Psalm 1:1-6)
More Free Downloads
- Burn (Brooke Ligertwood)
- Awesome In This Place (Hillsong)
- Heart of a Servant (City Harvest)
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- Maghari (Victory Worship)
Related themes you might want to include The Only Son from Heaven in your list of songs for worship that centered around Honoring God, Love for God, Obedience, Trusting God by Faith, Courage
The Only Son from Heaven lyrics and music by Elisabeth Cruciger, (1524) Public Domain
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