Methodist Hymn and Tune Book ‎#396a

396a. A mighty fortress is our God

1 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 power are great,
And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not his equal.

2 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 Sabbaoth is His name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

3 And though 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.

4 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 for ever.

Text Information

• First Line: A mighty fortress is our God
• Translator: Dr. F. H. Hedge, 1805-
• Author: Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: The Church and the Kingdom of God: Social Service; God: Fortress, our; Fortress, God our; God: Refuge, our; Refuge: God, our

Tune Information

• Name: EIN' FESTE BURG
• Composer: Martin Luther, 1483-1546
• Meter: 8.7.8.7.6.6.6.6.7
• Key: D Major