Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain

“Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain” is one of the great resurrection hymns of the Christian church, written by John of Damascus, a theologian and hymn writer of the eighth century. Originally composed in Greek, the hymn was intended for Easter worship and celebrates Christ’s victory over death through rich biblical imagery drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. It has been translated into English in several forms, most notably by John Mason Neale in the nineteenth century, and appears in the Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal as number 170.

The hymn opens with a triumphant call to the faithful to lift their song of praise, echoing the joy of Israel after crossing the Red Sea. John of Damascus deliberately connects the Exodus deliverance with Christ’s resurrection, presenting both events as mighty acts of salvation accomplished by God. Just as Israel passed safely through the waters while their enemies were overthrown, so believers are reminded that Christ has passed through death and broken its power forever. This typological connection reflects the deep biblical theology of the early church.

A central theme of the hymn is liberation. Christ is proclaimed as the true Passover Lamb whose sacrifice brings freedom from sin and death. The hymn draws directly from the teaching of the Apostle Paul, who declares that Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. The resurrection is not treated merely as a historical event, but as a present victory that shapes the life and hope of the believer. Death is no longer feared, because it has been defeated by Christ’s rising.

The tone of the hymn is joyful, confident, and majestic. It invites the whole church to rejoice together, proclaiming the triumph of Christ with strong, celebratory language. The hymn is especially suited to Easter services, yet its message remains meaningful whenever the church reflects on salvation, redemption, and new life in Christ.

“Come, You Faithful, Raise the Strain” continues to endure because it unites biblical history, doctrinal clarity, and heartfelt praise. It calls believers to remember God’s mighty acts, to rejoice in the risen Christ, and to live in the freedom secured by His victory over the grave.