Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won

"Jesus Lives! The Victory's Won" (LSB 490) is rooted in John 14:19 and Christ's exhortation to a lively confidence in the face of death ("Because I live, you will also live"), the hymn begins with the counterintuitive claim that because Jesus lives, death no longer appalls the Christian. It affirms that Jesus' risen life means death's reign is done. The Apostle Paul reminds the Church that Christ's resurrection means that death is defeated (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).

Each stanza recalls the confidence the Christian has in all things because of Christ's resurrection: "This shall be my confidence."

The final stanza draws the text to a close on the same note with which it began: the resurrection of Christ provides confidence to the baptized in the face of death. The imagery is that of a deathbed, where the Christian no longer awaits death, but eternal life! This is when faith becomes sight! Jesus is my confidence!

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

1 Jesus lives! The vict’ry’s won!
Death no longer can appall me;
Jesus lives! Death’s reign is done!
From the grave will Christ recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence;
This shall be my confidence.

2 Jesus lives! To Him the throne
High above all things is given.
I shall go where He is gone,
Live and reign with Him in heaven.
God is faithful; doubtings, hence!
This shall be my confidence.

3 Jesus lives! For me He died,
Hence will I, to Jesus living,
Pure in heart and act abide,
Praise to Him and glory giving.
All I need God will dispense;
This shall be my confidence.

4 Jesus lives! I know full well
Nothing me from Him shall sever.
Neither death nor pow’rs of hell
Part me now from Christ forever.
God will be my sure defense;
This shall be my confidence.

5 Jesus lives! And now is death
But the gate of life immortal;
This shall calm my trembling breath
When I pass its gloomy portal.
Faith shall cry, as fails each sense:
Jesus is my confidence!

Text: Public domain