He Lives
| He Lives | |
|---|---|
| by Alfred Henry Ackley | |
| Genre | Hymn |
| Written | 1933 |
| Based on | Luke 24:5 |
| Meter | 7.6.7.6.7.6.7.4 with refrain |
"He Lives" is a Christian hymn, otherwise known by its first line, "I Serve a Risen Savior". It was composed in 1933 by Alfred Henry Ackley (1887–1960), brother of B. D. Ackley, and remains popular in a broad range of Christian denominations and churches.
History and theme
[edit]"He Lives" was written by Alfred Henry Ackley in 1933 and first published in 1934 by Rodeheaver Company.[1] Ackley reported that he wrote the hymn in reaction to the question "Why should I worship a dead Jew?"[2] Of the 1,500 hymns that Ackley wrote, "He Lives" is the most popular.[3]
The hymn discusses the experience of Christian believers that Jesus Christ lives within their hearts. A sentiment that reflects the Christian scriptures: “I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.”—Galatians 2:20, and “That Christ may make His home in your hearts through faith.”—Ephesians 3:17. The fundamental foundation is the word "faith". As expressed by the hymn, Christian believers, through faith understand knowing Christ as a holy experience given by God, not just a "feeling".
The hymn is disliked by some who believe the song endorses a subjective appeal to experience, which is less reliable than the words of scripture.[4][5][6]
Uses in other media
[edit]The hymn is sung by church members in Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, a screen adaptation of Jeanette Winterson's novel of the same name.[citation needed]
References
[edit]- ↑ "I serve a risen Savior". Hymnology Archive. Retrieved 2025-11-10.
- ↑ "History of Hymns: "He Lives"". Discipleship Ministries. Retrieved 2025-11-10.
- ↑ Beaudouin, David (2013-10-18). "Ackely, Alfred". In McNeil, W. K. (ed.). Encyclopedia of American Gospel Music. Routledge. p. 3. ISBN 978-1-135-37707-6.
- ↑ Richard J. Mouw, Mark A. Noll, Wonderful Words of Life: Hymns in American Protestant History and Theology, 2004, Calvin Institute, page 205.
- ↑ Michael S. Horton, Can We Still Believe in the Resurrection?, 7 No. 2 Modern Reformation 5-14 (Mar./Apr. 1998)
- ↑ Bob De Moor, "He Lives Within My Heart", The Banner, Jan. 9 2015
External links
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