Christian music changes throughout the year. Before the 1970s, churches had hymns. The 1970s-1990s saw Christian rock becoming popular. The early 2000s saw contemporary worship music appear on the modern Christian music scene. Each era and style has its place and deals with certain core biblical ideas—such as the Easter story.
The narrative of Jesus’ death and resurrection comes up often in older hymns, popular CCM songs, rock anthems, and modern praise songs. Every generation raises its voice in a new way to declare the risen Jesus.
For this season, here are 10 Easter songs to celebrate resurrection and renewal.
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North Point InsideOut - Death Was Arrested (Lyrics And Chords) ft. Seth Condrey from universalmusicgroup on GodTube.
“Death Was Arrested” is a contemporary worship song written by North Point Worship, a worship ministry associated with North Point Community Church in Atlanta, Georgia. The song was co-written by Brandon Coker, Adam Kersh, Heath Balltzglier, and Paul Taylor Smith. It was originally released in 2017, featuring Casey Darnell as the lead vocalist.
With its powerful lyrics and anthemic melody, “Death Was Arrested” celebrates the central Easter message—Jesus’ triumph over death and sin. The song proclaims His victory via resurrection and the freedom believers find in His redeeming love, culminating with an energetic ending declaring freedom in Christ.
The song’s themes of resurrection, redemption, and new life are deeply connected to the spirit of Easter celebrations. The song invites believers to reflect on the transformative power of Jesus’ death and resurrection, which brings forgiveness, restoration, and eternal hope.
As believers sing “Death Was Arrested” during Easter gatherings and worship services, they are invited to rejoice that Jesus has conquered death and provided a way to eternal life. The song inspires believers and encourages them to live in the freedom and power of His love.
Further Reading: How Should Christians Cope with Death?
Because He Lives from carletta427 on GodTube.
Bill and Gloria Gaither penned “Because He Lives” in 1971, which has become an iconic Christian worship piece. Bill and Gloria wrote this song during dark times, finding solace in the assurance of Christ’s resurrection.
“Because He Lives” is especially compelling at Easter. The lyrics reflect on the hope and assurance found in Christ’s victory over death, which is the Christian faith’s cornerstone. As believers celebrate Easter, this song provides a powerful reminder that Christ’s resurrection has transformative power. It instills hope and joy in worshippers’ hearts. The lyrics lead into the chorus where Bill and Gloria declare Jesus’ resurrected life gives hope to face tomorrow.
Scriptural references throughout the song draw from passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:20, which declares, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.” This verse underscores the foundational truth of Christ’s resurrection upon which the Christian faith rests. The lyrics echo Jesus’ promises in verses like John 14:19: “Because I live, you also will live.”
Through its stirring melody and profound lyrics, “Because He Lives” is a triumphant declaration that we can all face uncertain days with confidence and assurance because He lives.
Further Reading: Is Jesus Really Alive Today?
Glorious Day - Casting Crowns from hulahan on GodTube.
“Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me)” is a powerful Christian worship song written by the contemporary Christian band Casting Crowns and released in 2009. It resonates deeply with believers celebrating Jesus Christ’s resurrection. The song reflects on Christ’s transformative love and sacrifice, emphasizing the hope and joy of His victory over death.
For Easter, “Glorious Day” holds significant relevance as it captures the essence of the resurrection narrative. The lyrics vividly portray the journey from the crucifixion to the triumph of the empty tomb, emphasizing the life-changing power of Christ’s sacrifice and the assurance of eternal life for believers. In the third verse, the song expresses how the grave couldn’t hold Jesus and how he conquered death for our freedom.
Scriptural references are woven throughout the song, drawing from passages such as Romans 5:8, which declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This verse teaches the central theme of Christ’s sacrificial love, which is beautifully portrayed in the song.
The song’s chorus echoes the triumphant proclamation of Jesus’ victory over death, mirroring the sentiments in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Further Reading: 10 Casting Crowns Songs that Inspire Us Today
Kari Jobe - Forever (Live) from kari-jobe on GodTube.
“Forever” is a poignant worship song written by Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Brian Johnson, and Jenn Johnson and released in 2014. Its deeply moving lyrics and captivating melody have made it a cherished anthem in Christian worship, particularly during the Easter season.
For Easter, “Forever” is a powerful declaration of the core Christian belief in Jesus’ resurrection. It vividly depicts Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and triumphant resurrection, highlighting the profound impact of His sacrificial love on humanity. It celebrates the reality that death could not hold Jesus captive, and His resurrection ensures eternal life for all who believe.
The lyrics magnify Christ as the risen King, leading congregants to sing how he is risen forever. Other resurrected people, like Lazarus, died again. Jesus, however, never died again, resurrected in a new body.
Scriptural references abound within the song, drawing from passages such as Revelation 1:18, where Jesus declares, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” The song’s lyrics beautifully portray the central theme of Jesus’ victory over death.
The chorus of “Forever” echoes the triumphant proclamation of Jesus’ resurrection. The song’s powerful bridge repeats, singing to Jesus about how he has overcome death.
Further Reading: 15 Comforting Christian Songs For A Death Or Tragedy
Don Francisco - He's Alive [Live] from bill-and-gloria-gaither on GodTube.
“He’s Alive” is a stirring Christian song penned and performed by Don Francisco, an American singer-songwriter renowned for his soulful and dynamic compositions. Released in 1977, the song has become an iconic Christian music anthem, resonating deeply with believers worldwide. Dolly Parton also had a popular rendition of the song in 1989.
The lyrics proclaim the resurrection and its profound implications for humanity. The song begins with a narrative, a disciple hiding in the dark and waiting to be taken by Roman or Jewish soldiers. Then, the disciple hears that Jesus has risen from the dead.
With its stirring refrain about Christ’s life providing forgiveness, the song encapsulates the essence of Easter’s joyous celebration. It speaks to the core belief of the Gospel: that through Jesus’ resurrection, believers are granted forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.
Don Francisco’s heartfelt delivery of “He’s Alive” adds emotional depth to the song, drawing listeners into the darkness-to-light journey of Jesus’ victory over death.
Further Reading: What Does the Resurrection of Jesus Mean for Us?
The Band Steele- 'Victory In Jesus' (Official Music Video) from thebandsteele on GodTube.
“Victory in Jesus” is a classic Christian hymn penned by Eugene Bartlett in 1939. Since then, it has become a cherished favorite in churches worldwide. The song exudes joy and gratitude for the salvation and victory found in Jesus Christ.
For Easter, “Victory in Jesus” resonates deeply as it celebrates the ultimate triumph of Christ over sin and death. The victory of Christ has also been offered to others, and by repenting of sin, we take part in that victory.
Scriptural references abound within the song, drawing from passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:57, which declares, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” In this letter to the church in Corinth, Paul calls a troubled church into the victory found in Christ. Believers can’t win this victory over sin and death, but we enter resurrection life through their repentance and Jesus’ blood.
The chorus echoes the triumphant proclamation of Jesus’ victory, mirroring the sentiments expressed in Colossians 2:15, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
The song’s timeless message and uplifting melody make it a cherished addition to Easter worship services, inspiring hearts to rejoice in the victory found in Jesus Christ.
Further Reading: Why Does the Bible Ask, 'Death Where Is Your Victory'?
Larnelle Harris and Sandi Patty - I've Just Seen Jesus from sandi-patty on GodTube.
“I’ve Just Seen Jesus” is another song by Bill and Gloria Gaither. Their powerful composition has become a staple in Easter celebrations and Christian worship services worldwide. The song beautifully captures Mary Magdalene and the disciples having awe-inspiring encounters with the resurrected Jesus Christ. Popular Christian vocalists Sandi Patty and Lionel Harris released the most popular version in 1985.
For Easter, “I’ve Just Seen Jesus” vividly portrays the transformative impact of encountering the risen Savior. The lyrics depict the overwhelming joy and awe experienced by those who witnessed Jesus’ resurrection firsthand, especially by those closest to him in life. For Christians today, it serves as a reminder of the life-changing power of Christ’s victory over death, offering hope and redemption to all who believe.
Scriptural references are intricately woven throughout the song, drawing from passages such as John 20:16, where Mary Magdalene encounters the risen Jesus and exclaims, “I have seen the Lord!” Transformation happens to anyone who encounters the living and resurrected Christ. The song highlights this truth. As Christ is a person, we must encounter him to have hope of salvation through following him.
The chorus of “I’ve Just Seen Jesus” triumphantly declares Jesus’ victory in resurrection, as expressed in Luke 24:34, where the disciples joyfully proclaim, “It is true! The Lord has risen!”
Further Reading: How Did Sandi Patty Change and Surprise Christian Music?
“He Came, He Saw, He Conquered” is a dynamic Christian song by the iconic Christian rock band Petra, which was released in 1987 on the album This Means War! Written by Bob Hartman, the song is renowned for its powerful lyrics and energetic melody, making it a popular choice for Easter celebrations and Christian worship services.
For Easter, “He Came, He Saw, He Conquered” holds significant relevance as it captures the essence of Jesus Christ’s triumph over sin and death. The song vividly portrays the journey of Jesus from his humble birth to his victorious resurrection, emphasizing His ultimate victory on the cross. It reminds listeners of Easter’s central message—the redemption and salvation made possible through Jesus’ sacrificial love. The pre-chorus soars with the words, “He rose!”
Scriptural references are intricately woven throughout the song, drawing from passages such as Colossians 2:15, which declares, “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.” The song powerfully reflects Jesus’ victorious conquest over sin and death.
There is also a playful element to the song: its title is based on a cliché, but it highlights how Jesus came, saw, and conquered something no one expected.
Further Reading: 7 Jesus Movement Christian Rock Pioneers You Didn't Know About
The “Easter Song” is a classic Christian hymn written by Annie Herring, a member of the Jesus Music group 2nd Chapter of Acts. Well-known Christian singer Keith Green highly popularized the song on his 1977 album For Him Who Has Ears to Hear.
With its uplifting melody and profound lyrics, “Easter Song” is a joyful anthem celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. The song’s themes of resurrection, redemption, and hope resonate deeply with the spirit of Easter celebrations. The Christian renewal of life relies upon the risen Christ.
“Easter Song” invites believers to join in the chorus of praise and thanksgiving for the gift of salvation made possible through Jesus’ sacrifice and resurrection, to sing our thankfulness to him. This reminds us of the hope and new life found in Jesus Christ.
The song encourages believers to celebrate Easter as a historical event and a personal experience of renewal and restoration through faith in Christ.
Further Reading: How Did the Contemporary Christian Music Genre Start?
“Messiah” is a stirring Christian song performed by the band Bloodgood, released on the 1989 album Detonation. With its dynamic musical arrangement and powerful lyrics, “Messiah” celebrates Jesus’ redemptive power. The album’s previous song, “Crucify,” tells the story of Pilate, washing his hands as the crowd demands he execute Jesus. “Messiah” comes next, picking up the story once Jesus has died, and those he loves taking him down from the cross to prepare His body. Through the grief, his followers comforted one another with the reality that Jesus was the promised Messiah.
The final verse gives joy to their grief by explaining that Christ has risen and declaring how the resurrection proved Jesus was Christ.
Finally, the song’s bridge includes the Great Commission: “Go into the world and tell all of creation he lives; he lives in the hearts of men.” This bridge reminds us to take the truth of the living and risen Jesus to the world to spread hope and love.
These are just a few Easter songs from the past century. In our digital age, with new music being created and shared worldwide, what will be the next famous genre or style be? What artists and songwriters will declare the resurrection in a new, relevant way? God inspires and leads his people, artists included, and each generation tells the same ancient story in fresh, powerful ways.
Further Reading: 5 Ways to Find Comfort in Christ’s Resurrection This Easter