#251 He Lives

Words and Music by Alfred H. Ackley, 1933 (1887-1960)

 

I serve a risen Savior,

He's in the world today;

I know that He is living,

whatever men may say;

I see His hand of mercy,

I hear His voice of cheer

And just the time

I need Him He's always near.

 

REFRAIN

He lives, He lives,

Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me

and talks with me

along life's narrow way.

He lives, He lives,

salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart.

 

 

In all the world around me

I see His loving care,

And tho' my heart grows weary

I never will despair;

I know that He is leading

thru all the stormy blast,

The day of His appearing

will come at last.

 

REFRAIN

He lives, He lives,

Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me

and talks with me

along life's narrow way.

He lives, He lives,

salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart.

 

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,

lift up your voice and sing,

Eternal hallelujahs

to Jesus Christ the King!

The hope of all who seek Him,

the help of all who find,

None other is so loving,

so good and kind.

 

REFRAIN

He lives, He lives,

Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me

and talks with me

along life's narrow way.

He lives, He lives,

salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart.

 

  

 

“Why should I worship a dead Jew?”

 

This challenging question was posed by a sincere young Jewish student who had been attending evangelistic meetings conducted by the author and composer of this hymn, Alfred H. Ackley. Mr. Ackley’s answer to this searching question, ultimately prompted the writing of this popular gospel hymn, He Lives.

 

The composer answered his inquirer: “He lives! I tell you, He is not dead, but lives here and now! Jesus Christ is more alive today than ever before. I can prove it by my own experience, as well as the testimony of countless thousands.” Mr. Ackley’s forthright, emphatic answer, together with his subsequent successful effort to win the man for Christ, flowered forth into song and crystallized into a convincing sermon in hymn on He Lives! So he sat down at the piano and voiced that conclusion in song. He says, “The thought of His ever-living presence brought the music promptly and easily.” Source: By Paul Lee Tan ©Bible Communications, Inc.