Hymn Highlight: A Mighty Fortress is Our God
Penned by Martin Luther during the throes of the Protestant Reformation, A Mighty Fortress is Our God quickly became the “battle hymn” of the Reformers’ cause. Martin Luther wrote both the lyrics and the tune of A Mighty Fortress, and the hymn is prized throughout the Protestant world, especially in Lutheran circles. A Mighty Fortress was translated into English by Frederick H. Hedge in 1852.
A Mighty Fortress is based upon Psalm 46, which is a song from the Sons of Korah. Psalm 46 is a song that seeks to remind the reader or singer that God truly is a fortress (refuge and strength) in times of trouble. Because of the immense strength and power of God and his status as our fortress, we are able to face whatever trouble—even in the earth gives way— without fear. The theme of A Mighty Fortress is just that: though intense struggle and suffering may come for Christians, we can face those without fear, because God is our bulwark never failing.
The song pits the power of Satan—a real and influential power—against the ever-greater power of God. Satan is described as “our ancient foe,” who seeks “to work us woe.” Luther reminds the worshiper of the cunning and craft and power of our foe, which turns our attention to the Edenic serpent or the wilderness tempter (Gen 3 and Mt 4). Luther had his own personal experiences with the tempter, recording how often he battled with the devil during times of temptation.
However severe the description of our enemy in the first verse might be, Luther reminds us of our Rescuer in verse two. Humans, when in the battle against sin and the devil, cannot confide in their own strength. Their “striving would be losing.” In Christ, however, Christ Jesus, “the man of God’s own choosing,” is on the right side. He stands “from age to age the same,” and he must, based upon who he is and what he’s done, “win the battle.” Our Savior, Christ Jesus, is the only one capable of defeating death.
In the third verse, Luther takes us through the regular lifestyle and response for the Christian. Christ has won the battle for us on the cross and by his resurrection. Based upon the beauty and life-changing effectiveness of the gospel, we can traverse without fear through this devil-filled world that “threatens to undo us.” The devil’s “doom is sure.” The power of sin and the devil’s fate was sealed when Jesus uttered one little word: tetelestai (“it is finished”).
In the final verse, Luther reminds us of the enduring life in Christ. Jesus is “above all earthly powers” and bestows upon his people the “Spirit and the gifts.” Because of what Chris has done for us, we can take up our cross and follow Christ, for “God’s truth abideth still” and “his kingdom is forever!”
Truly, this is a hymn of assurance. Though the world is decaying and unjust and full of toil and struggle, we can face life without fear. This fearless life is not based upon our own strength but founded in the person and work of Christ Jesus, the God-Man. So sing this great hymn. May it remind us of our Warrior-Savior. May we be reminded of the enduring authority and power of Jesus. May we declare boldly who He is and whose we are. We belong to the One who must win the battle.