He Lives: The Story Behind the Beloved Easter Hymn

¹Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him . . . ⁵And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. ⁶But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.” Mark 16:1, 5-6 NKJV

It is not uncommon that on Easter Sunday, we sing the hymn “He Lives.” But then that’s what we celebrate on Easter Sunday anyway.

Can you imagine what the disciples and followers of Jesus must have said as word spread that he was not in the tomb?   The words, “He lives” seem to be one option that is plausible.

The hymn was composed in 1933 by Alfred Henry Ackley.

Alfred Ackley was born on January 21, 1887.  His father was a Methodist Minister who provided a strong foundation for him in music.  He played at least the piano and cello.

He Lives is also often referred to as “I Serve a Risen Savior”, the first line of the hymn. He described how he served a risen Savior. No matter what others might say, Ackley knew that He was living. Why? Because He lived within his heart.

He could see the impact all around. He could see God’s hand of mercy and hear His voice of cheer. He knew Jesus was always near. In fact, so intimate was their relationship that Ackley could walk and talk with Him wherever he went. He is available to save all who call on Him.

We can see His care all around. We might grow weary, but we never need to despair, for Jesus always is with us. And one day He will return, providing us with an eternal home.

In Forty Gospel Hymns stories, we are told “In the 1930’s, there was preacher named Alfred Ackley. During a time of evangelistic meetings he was holding, a young Jewish student asked the question, “Why should I worship a dead Jew?” Using the Scriptures to witness to him, Pastor Ackley began to explain to this young man how that Jesus was alive. “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.”

Ackley preached with great fervency both that morning and evening on the realization of our Lord’s resurrection. But later that night, he still could not shake the question of that young Jewish student. It was then that his wife encouraged him to do something about it.”

He turned to the passage in Mark that described Christ’s resurrection.  The words “He Lives” in the passage stuck out to Ackley. He then began to write, as the words flowed from him.  In moments, he was at the piano adding music to the words he’d been inspired to write.

This hymn is also known by its first line, “I Serve a Risen Savior.”

“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.”

After completing his musical training, Ackley returned to the states to attend Westminster Theological Seminary in Maryland and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1914.

Ackley pastored in Wilkes-Barre and Elmhurst, Pennsylvania, before being called to a congregation in Escondido, California. For a few years he worked with evangelist Billy Sunday.

He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Sacred Music degree by John Brown University in Arkansas in appreciation for all his musical pursuits.

One doesn’t have to have a degree in Sacred Music or even a degree from a university to know that Jesus lives today. Jesus never said you need to be educated to know him. It is my prayer that you know him today. If you don’t know him, you can by simply asking him to come into your heart and save you. The exciting thing is—he will!

Yes, He is alive today and with you!