He lives. Two simple words change everything when spoken about Jesus. Our penalty was paid in full when Jesus died on the cross with the world’s sins upon Him. We can be forgiven. We can be reconciled to God. We can be free. An even greater victory came three days later when Jesus rose from the grave. Jesus conquered sin and death. He broke the chains that bind us. He vanquished our greatest enemy, Satan. Jesus lives!
He doesn’t just live. He’s alive and at work. The beautiful hymn “He Lives” is a reminder to all of us. It’s a reminder of who Jesus is, what He has done for us, and how He’s at work in our lives. It’s an anthem and a song of praise. If you’ve never heard it, you can listen to the song here.
He Lives from neargod on GodTube.
Who Wrote the Song 'He Lives'?
A. H. Ackley wrote “He Lives” in 1933. In an article for the Destin Log, Pam Griffin shares the story behind the song. She reports that Ackley, a Presbyterian minister, met a young Jewish man attending some evangelistic meetings. The young man would often ask, “Why should I worship a dead Jew?” Then, on Easter morning, Ackley heard a preacher on the radio say, “Good morning. It’s Easter! You know, folks, it really doesn’t make any difference to me if Christ be risen or not. As far as I am concerned, His body could be as dust in some Palestinian tomb. The main thing is, His truth goes marching on!” Griffin reports that Ackley threw his radio across the room and yelled, “It’s a lie!” before going to his own church and preaching a passionate sermon about the reality of Christ’s resurrection.
Griffon goes on to share that later that night, while thinking about the young Jewish man’s question and what he heard on the radio that morning, his wife encouraged him to do what he did best. She knew if he wrote a song, he would feel better. So he did! He studied the resurrection account in the gospel of Mark, and the words flowed. He wrote the words and the music to this now-famous song.
What Do We Know About A. H. Ackley?
According to Hymnary.org writer Dianne Shapiro, Alfred Henry Ackley was born in Spring Hill, Pennsylvania, on January 21, 1877. He was the youngest son. His father, Stanley Frank Ackley, taught him music. Alfred attended the Royal Academy of Music in London, graduated from Westminster Theological Seminary in Maryland, and was ordained as a minister in 1914. He worked with Billy Sunday and Homer Rodeheaver. Amazingly, A. H. Ackley wrote around 1,500 hymns before his death on July 3, 1960.
Is 'He Lives' Known by Other Names?
“He Lives” was originally titled “I Serve a Risen Savior,” based on the song’s first lines. It is commonly known today as “He Lives” based on the recurring line. I have also found the title written as “I Serve a Risen Saviour.”
What Biblical Themes Can We See in 'He Lives'?
Many Biblical themes are found in the lyrics to the hymn “He Lives.” The most obvious theme is that of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We also see the themes of love, mercy, and joy. We find the theme of Jesus’ presence with us in life and His place in our hearts. We see that He is with us amid the storms of life. We see that Jesus will appear again. Below are some verses from the Bible that expound on the themes found in the song.
“When they entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe sitting on the right side. The women were shocked, but the angel said, ‘Don’t be alarmed. You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Look, this is where they laid His body.’” (Mark 16:5-6)
“I cried out, ‘I am slipping!’ but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.” (Psalm 94:18-19)
“Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.” (1 John 5:21)
“And then at last, the sign that the Son of Man is coming will appear in the heavens, and there will be deep mourning among all the peoples of the earth. And they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30)
There are so many wonderful themes found in this beautiful song. I encourage you to read the lyrics and find even more verses in your Bible that fit the themes you see in the hymn “He Lives.”
What Are Some Similar Songs to 'He Lives'?
A. H. Ackley isn’t the only one to have written a song about the resurrection of Jesus. We sing “He Lives” and many of these other songs around Easter. However, their deep, spiritual truths should be sung all year as we remember the incredible act of love God lavished on us when He sent us Jesus—and the incredible act of power at work when Jesus rose from the dead.
“Christ The Lord Is Risen Today” is a hymn by Charles Wesley. It’s found in the 1989 United Methodist Hymnal. The first verse includes these exuberant lyrics:
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
“I Know That My Redeemer Lives” was written by Samuel Medley in 1775. The song’s last verse is a verse of praise that encourages singers to give glory to Jesus because our Redeemer lives!
He lives, all glory to His name!
He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives:
I know that my Redeemer lives!
Robert Lowry wrote “He Arose” in 1874. The refrain in this jubilant song makes me want to shout it from the rooftops!
Up from the grave He arose
with a mighty triumph o’er His foes;
He arose a victor from the dark domain,
and He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!
Jesus came to earth, lived sinlessly, died for our sins, rose from the grave, and ascended into heaven. But that’s not the end. As the hymn “He Lives” reminds us, Jesus lives, and He’s part of our lives today. The hymn also reminds us that Jesus is coming back one day.
Prayers Thanking God that He Lives
Lord God, my heart bursts with love for You. Thank You for sending Your precious Son, Jesus, to this earth to make way for me to have a relationship with You. Thank You for Your sacrifice. I’m amazed at Your plan and Your power. Thank You for Your love. Amen.
Abba, thank You for being my good Father. Thank You for being a living God who is actively at work in my life today. I know that Your plans for me are good, and I trust You with my life. Even when I can’t see You, I know You are near, for you have promised to be with me. Thank You, Abba. Amen.
Oh God, life on this earth is so hard sometimes. The enemy attacks from all sides, and he’s much stronger than I am. Even so, You are stronger than him, and You are for me. Nothing is impossible for You. Not even death can defeat You, God! So I choose to trust You. I feel so weak, but I know that You are strong. Be my strength, Lord God. I turn to You. I choose You. Fight for me, Lord. Fight for Your child. I believe, Lord, help my unbelief. Walk with me through this storm and speak peace to my weary heart. I know that You can, and I trust that You will because You live, and because you live, I can face this day. You overcame, Jesus. You are victorious. In You, I can overcome. I can be victorious too. Thank You for living in me, Jesus. Amen.
God, my heart is filled with peace and joy today, and it’s all because of You. It boggles my mind to know that the same power that raised You from the dead, Jesus, is available to me. I can’t even comprehend that, but I’m so grateful for it! Help me remember who I am and Whose I am. Help me remember that I am your child, God. I’m an heir with Christ, and the Creator of the Universe has adopted me. Thank You for taking me in, God. Thank You for loving me unconditionally. I love You! Amen.
Jesus came to earth, lived a sinless life, died for our sins, rose from the grave, and ascended into heaven. But that’s not the end. As the hymn “He Lives” reminds us, Jesus lives, and He’s part of our lives today. The hymn also reminds us that Jesus is coming back one day. As we anticipate that day, I want to leave you with the lyrics to another hymn, this one written by Fanny Crosby. “Blessed Assurance” is our story. This is our song!
Perfect submission, all is at rest.
I in my Savior am happy and bless’d,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with His goodness, lost in His love.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.
If you enjoyed this article, you may enjoy the following:
Who Wrote the Hymn “Take Time to Be Holy”?
The Story Behind the Hymn “Peace, Perfect Peace”
Who Wrote The Hymn “Lord I’m Coming Home”?
Who Wrote the Hymn “Bless the Lord O My Soul”?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/shuang paul wang
