If you have been around a church for anytime, I’m sure you have heard the word, “gospel.” Many times, it is used in connection with the word, “truth”; and of course, there are the four books at the beginning of the New Testament. These uses are correct, but the true definition is found in the book of I Corinthians 15:3-4. There, Paul defines the gospel as the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many have died. All have been buried, but only Jesus has been victorious over the grave. His resurrection is the true reason for Easter and the promise of eternal life to those who trust in Him and Him alone.

Perhaps, this is what Pastor Robert Lowry was thinking about during the Easter season of 1874. Born in Philadelphia in 1846, Robert Lowry would eventually become a graduate of Bucknell University and pastor many important Baptist churches in Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York City and Brooklyn. The preaching of God’s word would be his main interest throughout his life, but he did have a second love. That was the study of music and hymnology. During the course of his life, he would write Shall We Gather at the River, Nothing But the Blood, and supply the music for Marching to Zion, I Need Thee Every Hour and many other great hymns of the faith. Together, all of this would lead to the writing of a hymn for Easter. That evening of 1874, Pastor Lowry was reading again the account of Christ’s resurrection found in Luke 24: 6-8 where it says, “He is not here, but is risen.” Soon, Robert Lowry found himself at the pump organ in the parlor of his home; and in a matter of minutes, the good pastor had completed the words and the music of a new hymn.

Twenty-five years later, the author realized first hand the glorious truth of his Easter hymn when God would take him home to Heaven. Because Christ Arose and “lives forever with His saints to reign,” there is hope for all who believe in the Christ of the gospel. This is the message of Easter, which is found in this song:

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus, my Savior! Waiting the

Coming day, Jesus, my Lord!

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!

by Bill Daigle