As most of you are probably aware, yesterday was Easter Sunday. So, yesterday, this hymn was most likely sung by countless Christians around the globe, all in celebration of our risen and triumphant Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The lyrics are:
“Jesus Christ is ris'n today, Alleluia! Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia! Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia! Suffer to redeem our loss, Alleluia!”
“Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia! Unto Christ, our heav'nly king, Alleluia! Who endured the cross and grave, Alleluia! Sinners to redeem and save, Alleluia!”
“But the pains which He endured, Alleluia! Our salvation have procured; Alleluia! Now above the sky He’s king, Alleluia! Where the angels ever sing, Alleluia!” (This stanza was left out of the video above)
“Sing we to our God above, Alleluia! Praise eternal as His love; Alleluia! Praise Him, all ye heav'nly host, Alleluia! Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Alleluia!”
ALLELUIA! CHRIST IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED! ALLELUIA!
This beautiful hymn was first written as a Bohemian hymn sometime in the 14th century. It was written by an unknown author in Latin and was titled "Surrexit Christus hodie." The original hymn had eleven stanzas to it. In 1708, John Baptist Walsh translated it into English and it was included in his ”Collection of Divine Songs and Hymns” (“Lyra Davidica“).
In 1749, the stanzas were revised by John Arnold with only three stanzas. Charles Wesley, one of the founders of Methodism, added a fourth stanza to the hymn. At first, the fourth stanza was meant as an alternative stanza, but was later adopted into the hymn. This hymn is quite unique, as it has an “Alleluia” after each seven-syllable line.
How many of you stopped reading to go back to count the syllables of each line? I won’t lie, I did too!
Jesus Christ stepped down from His throne in heaven in order to suffer and die on the cross for our sins. He took the full wrath of God for our sins upon Himself, in our stead, and redeemed us by His grace and mercy. This work of our salvation on the cross was how Jesus Christ was victorious over sin and the devil, once and for all. Then Jesus Christ then rose from the dead, leaving His grave behind, empty. This was how Jesus Christ was victorious over death, once and for all.
“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:54b-58)
Jesus Christ did all this for you and for me, willfully and freely. He is the only way to heaven, the only truth, and the only life. (John 14:6). Belief in Him and repentance of your sins saves you. (Mark 1:15). That is why this beautiful hymn brings such deep emotional and spiritual feelings to the surface for many Christians.
As faithful Christians, we know we are saved by Grace alone, through Faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, to the Glory of God alone! Amen!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Philip Frank
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