Christ Arose

Low in the grave He lay
Jesus my Savior
Waiting the coming day
Jesus my Lord

Up from the grave He arose
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes
He arose a victor from the dark domain
And He lives forever with His saints to reign
He arose He arose
Hallelujah Christ arose

Vainly they watch His bed
Jesus my Savior
Vainly they seal the dead
Jesus my Lord

Death cannot keep his prey
Jesus my Savior
He tore the bars away
Jesus my Lord

Robert Lowry

The Triumph of the Empty Tomb

In his powerful hymn “Christ Arose,” Robert Lowry beautifully captures the essence of the resurrection story and its significance for believers. As a gifted preacher known for his vivid imagery, Lowry brings that same descriptive power to this beloved hymn, painting a picture of Christ’s victory over death.

The opening verse sets the scene: “Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior, waiting the coming day.” Lowry reminds us of the somber reality of Jesus’ death and burial. The One who had walked on water and raised the dead now lay lifeless in a tomb. But even as He waited in that grave, there was a sense of anticipation – the “coming day” of resurrection.

Suddenly, the triumphant refrain bursts forth: “Up from the grave He arose, with a mighty triumph o’er His foes.” Lowry’s language is both visual and dramatic. We can almost picture Jesus rising from the grave, breaking the chains of death, and emerging victorious over sin and Satan. This is no mere resuscitation – it is a “mighty triumph” that changes everything.

Lowry goes on to describe the futility of the soldiers’ efforts to keep Jesus in the tomb. “Vainly they watch His bed,” he writes, and “Vainly they seal the dead.” No human effort could prevent the resurrection. Not the stone, the seal, or the soldiers. “Death cannot keep his prey,” Lowry declares. Jesus, the Lord of life, could not be contained by a grave.

The final verse celebrates the implications of the empty tomb for all who believe. “He tore the bars away,” Lowry writes, using a vivid metaphor to describe Christ’s victory over death’s prison. And now, the risen Savior “lives forever with His saints to reign.” The resurrection is not just a historical event – it is a present and future reality for all who trust in Christ.

As we sing this joyful hymn, may we be reminded of the living hope we have because of the empty grave. Like Robert Lowry, may we use our gifts to paint a compelling picture of Christ’s victory and inspire others to trust in the risen King. Hallelujah, Christ arose!

Call to Worship

Brief but meaningful reflections to help your congregation engage with the story, emotions, and spiritual truths behind beloved hymns before lifting their voices in worship together. Feel free to read as is or put into your own words!

Church, as we prepare to sing “Christ Arose,” let’s remember the powerful truth this hymn proclaims. Just as Robert Lowry painted a vivid picture of resurrection victory, may our hearts rejoice in our risen Savior!

Jesus lay in the grave, but death could not hold Him. He arose triumphant, breaking the chains of sin and Satan forever. And now, He lives to reign with His saints for all eternity.

As we lift our voices, may we celebrate the living hope we have because of the empty tomb. Let’s sing with joy and confidence, knowing that Christ has conquered the grave!