A Safe Stronghold
Martin Luther (1529) • Thomas Carlyle (1831) • English
Primary Scripture: Genesis 15:1
Verse 1
A safe stronghold our God is still, a trusty shield and weapon; he'll keep us clear from all the ill that hath us now o'ertaken. The ancient prince of hell hath risen with purpose fell; strong mail of craft and power he weareth in this hour; on earth is not his fellow.
Verse 2
With force of arms we nothing can, full soon were we down-ridden; but for us fights the proper Man whom God himself hath bidden. Ask ye, who is this same? Christ Jesus is his name, the Lord Sabaoth's Son; he, and no other one, shall conquer in the battle.
Verse 3
And were this world all devils o'er, and watching to devour us, we lay it not to heart so sore; not they can overpower us. And let the prince of ill look grim as e'er he will, he harms us not a whit; for why? His doom is writ; a word shall quickly slay him.
Verse 4
God's word, for all their craft and force, one moment will not linger, but, spite of hell, shall have its course; 'tis written by his finger. And though they take our life, goods, honour, children, wife, yet is their profit small; these things shall vanish all: the city of God remaineth.
Scripture References
Reference 1
- genesis 15:1
Reference 2
- 1-samuel 17:47
Reference 3
- job 1:6-22
Reference 4
- psalms 24:8-10
Reference 5
- psalms 33:16
Reference 6
- psalms 44:6
Reference 7
- psalms 46
Reference 8
- psalms 48:8
Reference 9
- isaiah 25:1-9
Reference 10
- isaiah 55:11