He Lives! The Great Redeemer Lives

“He Lives! The Great Redeemer Lives” is one of Anne Steele’s deeply moving resurrection hymns, written around 1760. Steele, known for her gentle spirit and rich devotional poetry, often wrote about the comfort and strength believers find in Christ. In this hymn she lifts the hearts of worshippers to the risen Lord, proclaiming His triumph over death and His continual presence with His people.

The hymn reflects the truth found in Romans 6:9, where Scripture declares that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more, and that death has no more dominion over Him. Steele uses this truth to build a hymn of assurance. The living Redeemer becomes the foundation of Christian hope. Because He lives, the believer has confidence in salvation, comfort in sorrow, and courage in the face of trials. The message is simple yet profound. The resurrection is not only a past event but a present reality that sustains the Christian life each day.

Steele’s gentle and pastoral style shines throughout the hymn. She leads the reader from the joy of the empty tomb to the comfort of Christ’s continual care. His risen life guarantees His love, His intercession, and His readiness to strengthen His people. The hymn invites believers to rest in the certainty that the Savior who conquered death now guides them with wisdom and compassion.

The enduring power of this hymn lies in its ability to turn attention from the struggles of earthly life to the conquering life of Christ. It encourages believers to lift their eyes above temporary sorrow and fix their hope on the risen Redeemer. Steele’s words continue to bless congregations and individuals by keeping the resurrection at the center of Christian faith.