"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"

Psalms 46 serves as the inspiration for this hymn, which is regarded as one of the classic Christian hymns. “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” was written by Martin Luther, who is considered the Father of the Protestant Reformation. Its strong and powerful verses echo the same spirit of faith as the Psalm. The music and words of this hymn were a battle cry to many martyrs during the Reformation. In fact, the first line from “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” is etched on the tombstone of the great reformer.

Martin Luther (1483 – 1546) had strong convictions considering religion and music. In 1517, he nailed ninety-five theses to the door of the Cathedral of Wittenberg, Germany. This action was considered to be the “Declaration of Independence” to liberal thinkers of that day. “ A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” was one of the major musical contributions of Martin Luther along with “Away In A Manger.” Luther was also known for his doctrine that salvation is not based on works but by faith alone.

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;
His craft and pow'r are great, and, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;
Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;
Lord Sabaoth is His name, from age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And tho’ this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us;
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim - we tremble not for him;
His rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure,
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;
The body they may kill; God’s truth abideth still,
His kingdom is forever.

Congregational singing of music got its start from Martin Luther, the author of “ A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” On the subject of lay people worshipping in song, Luther said, “After theology, there is nothing that can be placed on a level with music. It drives out the devil and makes people cheerful. It is a gift that God gave to birds and to men. We need to remove hymn singing from the domain of monks and priests and set the laity to singing. By the singing of hymns the laity can publicly express their love to the Almighty God.”

“A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”

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