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Because He Lives
A lesson
based on the Hymn by William J. Gaither
Introduction:
"Because He
Lives" is one of the most beloved modern hymns sung by Christians around
the world and joyfully adopted by congregations in the churches of
Christ. It offers a powerful testimony to the resurrection of Jesus and
the unshakable hope it provides for believers. The hymn addresses three
distinct realities of the Christian life: the peace we can experience
today, the courage we can find to face uncertain tomorrows, and the
assurance of eternal life after death. All of this is made
possible—because He lives.
This hymn
moves through deep emotional and theological terrain. It begins by
reflecting on the victory of Christ over death and sin, which makes our
faith living and our fears conquerable. It then applies that victory to
everyday life, including the tender moments of parenting and facing
trials, and ultimately concludes with confidence at the grave, knowing
that death has lost its sting. Each stanza takes the resurrection of
Jesus and presses it into the believer’s life in personal, comforting,
and convicting ways.
Scriptures
such as John 14:19 (“Because I live, you also will live”), 1 Corinthians
15:55–57, and Romans 8:11 echo the heartbeat of this hymn. It is not
merely a song of praise—it is a confession of confidence, a proclamation
of victory, and a declaration of why we can continue, endure, and
rejoice. In uncertain times and difficult days, this song reminds us
that Christ’s empty tomb is the foundation of our living faith and
eternal hope.
Stanza 1 –
The Resurrection and Present Peace
"God sent
His Son, they called Him Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive; He
lived and died to buy my pardon, an empty grave is there to prove my
Savior lives."
This first
stanza boldly proclaims the gospel—the good news that God sent His Son,
Jesus, for the purpose of redemption. The song moves through Christ’s
earthly mission of love, healing, and forgiveness and climaxes in His
atoning death. The most powerful assurance for believers is in the
words: “an empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives.” This line
echoes 1 Corinthians 15:3–4 and Luke 24:6 where the angels declared, “He
is not here; He is risen!”
In a world
filled with confusion, sorrow, and brokenness, this verse reminds us of
the absolute truth that Jesus conquered the grave. This victory over
death is not abstract—it is personal: “to buy my pardon.”The
emphasis is on the substitutionary nature of Christ’s death and the
objective evidence of His resurrection. Because He lives, we are not
trapped in guilt, fear, or doubt. His empty tomb brings daily peace,
spiritual freedom, and hope to every Christian who clings to the risen
Lord.
Stanza 2 –
Confidence for Tomorrow
"How sweet
to hold a newborn baby, and feel the pride and joy he gives; but greater
still the calm assurance: this child can face uncertain days because He
lives."
This stanza
paints a picture of tender joy—cradling a newborn baby. It captures the
innocence of new life and the joy that children bring to a parent’s
heart. But the lyrics quickly turn from mere sentiment to deep spiritual
insight: even this newborn, vulnerable and unaware, is safe in a world
that seems uncertain, because Christ lives.
It is a
recognition of the anxieties parents feel in a broken and unpredictable
world. But the song affirms that because Jesus rose from the dead and
reigns eternally, we have assurance—not only for ourselves but for our
children. Psalm 37:25 tells us, “I have not seen the righteous
forsaken,” and in Matthew 6:34 Jesus teaches, “Do not worry about
tomorrow.” This verse reminds us that peace is not tied to
circumstances—it is grounded in resurrection power.
The
resurrection gives substance to hope. Even when society crumbles,
governments fall, or morality declines, God’s people can raise children
in faith, knowing Jesus holds the future. Every Christian parent who has
ever rocked a child to sleep with prayer in their heart can relate to
the beauty and assurance embedded in these words.
Stanza 3 –
Victory Over Death
"And then
one day, I’ll cross the river; I’ll fight life’s final war with pain;
and then, as death gives way to victory, I’ll see the lights of glory
and I’ll know He lives."
This final
stanza takes us to the believer’s final earthly moment—the moment of
death—and transforms it into a moment of triumph. The river represents
the final transition from life to eternity, echoing biblical imagery
like the crossing of the Jordan River in Joshua 3 and its spiritual
equivalent in hymns such as “I Won’t Have to Cross Jordan Alone.” The
“final war with pain” acknowledges that death is often preceded by
suffering, but this pain is not the end.
The climax of
the stanza is a vision of eternal victory: “as death gives way to
victory.” Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:54–57, “Death is swallowed up
in victory.” Because Jesus conquered death, Christians face it not with
dread but with confidence. The stanza ends with hope fulfilled: “I’ll
see the lights of glory and I’ll know He lives.” To see the lights of
glory is to be welcomed into the eternal presence of God. This vision is
a reward for a life of faith, sealed by the assurance of the
resurrection.
Death, then,
is not a period but a comma in the Christian’s story. It is not
defeat—it is the final proof of Christ’s victory, and through Him, ours
as well.
Chorus –
Living Because He Lives
"Because
He lives, I can face tomorrow; because He lives, all fear is gone;
because I know He holds the future, and life is worth the living, just
because He lives."
The chorus is
the heart of the hymn—its declaration of faith, joy, and purpose. These
words do more than summarize the message of the stanzas—they amplify it.
The resurrection of Jesus is not merely a doctrine to believe—it is the
driving force of our daily strength.
“Because He
lives, I can face tomorrow” is a statement of resilience. Even when life
is hard, when trials seem overwhelming, or when we dread what’s ahead,
the living Christ makes the difference. John 16:33 says, “In the world
you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
“Because He
lives, all fear is gone” declares that the resurrection casts out fear.
Hebrews 2:14–15 says that Jesus destroyed the one who had the power of
death, liberating us from the fear of death. The chorus ends with the
sweet refrain, “life is worth the living, just because He lives.” This
is a complete reversal of despair. Where some see hopelessness, the
Christian sees promise. Life—no matter how painful, confusing, or
short—is worth it because our Lord lives.
Sermon
Outline:
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Introduction: The Message of a Living Christ
- Summary
of the hymn’s overall message
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Relevance of the resurrection to daily Christian life
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Stanza 1: The Resurrection and Present Peace
- God sent
His Son: The Incarnation and mission of Christ (John 3:16)
- Love,
healing, and forgiveness shown in Christ’s ministry (Luke 4:18)
- He died
to buy my pardon: Substitutionary atonement (Isaiah 53:5)
- The
empty grave as proof of a living Savior (Luke 24:6; 1 Cor. 15:3–4)
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Stanza 2: Confidence for Tomorrow
- New life
symbolized by a newborn baby (Psalm 127:3)
- The calm
assurance for the future rooted in Christ’s victory (Matthew 6:34)
- God
holds the future, not man or government (Romans 8:28)
- Trusting
God with our children and the next generation (Proverbs 22:6)
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Stanza 3: Victory Over Death
- Crossing
the river as a symbol of death and transition (Joshua 3)
- Final
war with pain: suffering and death are real (2 Corinthians 4:16–18)
- Death
gives way to victory through Christ (1 Corinthians 15:55–57)
- Lights
of glory: eternal reward and seeing Christ (Revelation 21:23)
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Chorus: Daily Confidence and Joy
- Facing
tomorrow with hope (John 16:33)
- Freedom
from fear (Hebrews 2:14–15)
- God’s
providence over the future (Jeremiah 29:11)
- Life’s
meaning rooted in Christ’s resurrection (Romans 6:4–5)
Call to
Action:
Let this hymn
stir your heart with confidence and peace. If you are struggling with
fear, uncertainty, or even the fear of death—remember that Jesus Christ
is alive. He conquered the grave to bring you forgiveness, joy, and
purpose. Because He lives, you can face your tomorrow with courage. If
you have not yet submitted your life to the risen Savior, do not wait.
Be baptized into Christ for the remission of sins and walk in newness of
life (Romans 6:4). Every moment you live from now on can be worth the
living—if it is lived for Him.
Scripture
Reference List:
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John 14:19 – Jesus promises
life to His followers because of His own resurrection.
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1 Corinthians 15:3–4, 54–57
– Affirms the gospel and declares death swallowed up in victory.
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Romans 8:11, 28 – The
Spirit that raised Christ will also raise us; God works all things
for good.
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Luke 24:6 – The angel’s
declaration of Christ’s resurrection.
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Hebrews 2:14–15 – Christ
freed us from the fear of death.
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John 16:33 – Encouragement
that Christ has overcome the world.
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Romans 6:4–5 – Christians
walk in newness of life through Christ’s resurrection.
Song
History:
“Because He Lives” was written in 1971 by
William J. Gaither and his wife Gloria Gaither during a time
of deep personal anxiety and social unrest in America. They were
expecting a child and facing national turmoil from the Vietnam War and
cultural upheaval. In the midst of fear, they found confidence in the
resurrection of Jesus, and this inspired the song’s message: that no
matter how dark the times, Christ’s resurrection gives meaning and
security. The song was quickly embraced by churches of Christ and other
conservative congregations for its strong biblical message and
faith-affirming lyrics.
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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The
church of Christ
