Look and Live

Historical Background

William Augustine Ogden, born in Ohio in 1841, was a prominent American composer, educator, and choir leader known for his contributions to gospel hymnody in the late 19th century. His musical talent was evident from an early age; he was writing music by age 10 and became a teacher and conductor in various musical schools across the Midwest. Ogden served in the Union Army during the Civil War, and his post-war years were dedicated to sacred music, particularly in the service of revivalism. His hymns became integral to tent meetings and evangelistic campaigns, resonating with the spiritual hunger of the era. In 1887, amidst the flourishing gospel movement, Ogden wrote “Look and Live,” one of his most enduring works, which quickly became a staple at evangelistic gatherings.

The inspiration for “Look and Live” is deeply rooted in Numbers 21:8–9, where the Israelites, bitten by venomous snakes due to their disobedience, were given a miraculous remedy by God. Moses was instructed to make a serpent of brass and lift it on a pole. Those who were bitten could simply look upon it and be healed. This Old Testament event is directly referenced by Jesus in John 3:14–15, where He says, “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.” Ogden captured this biblical typology with powerful clarity in “Look and Live,” using it to illustrate the simplicity and sufficiency of faith in Christ for salvation. The title and chorus make this appeal unmistakably clear: “Look to Jesus now, and live.” It is a hymn that urges immediate response to the gospel message, perfectly tailored for revival services where time and decision were often critical.

Theological and Musical Structure

Doctrinally, the hymn is a straightforward proclamation of the gospel—its theology is simple, yet profound. The core message is that salvation is not earned by works or prolonged religious effort but is received by faith alone. The concept of looking unto Christ mirrors the call of Isaiah 45:22, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth.” This resonates with the revivalist mindset of the 1800s, where gospel preaching was marked by urgency and clarity. Ogden's lyrics highlight the accessibility of grace: “I’ve a message from the Lord, Hallelujah! The message unto you I’ll give.” The hymn embodies the spirit of a divine messenger urgently calling lost souls to embrace life by turning their eyes upon the Savior.

Musically, “Look and Live” is lively and energetic, using a major key to evoke hope and assurance. The meter and rhythmic repetition of the chorus ensure its memorability, making it ideal for congregational singing. It has been used extensively in tent meetings, Sunday School, and evangelistic services for over a century. Its upbeat tempo helps counterbalance the somberness of the reality of sin and death presented in the verses. The chorus acts as a joyful invitation and a bold proclamation: “Look and live, my brother, live! Look to Jesus now and live.” This pattern of a call and joyful affirmation underscores the transformative power of the gospel—the movement from death to life, despair to hope, darkness to light.

What sets this hymn apart is its evangelistic urgency. It’s not a song about a vague religious experience, but a direct appeal to the hearer: hear the message, respond, and live. William A. Ogden wasn’t merely writing poetic verse; he was issuing a spiritual summons. This accounts for why “Look and Live” became so widely used by evangelists like D.L. Moody and R.A. Torrey, who favored songs that mirrored the immediacy of their gospel calls. The hymn was often paired with invitations during altar calls, and many have reported being stirred to salvation by the words of this song ringing through revival tents and church halls. The hymn's structure builds from declaration to action, drawing the listener step by step toward the climactic response—faith in Christ.

Enduring Impact and Devotional Meaning

Over the decades, “Look and Live” has remained a beloved hymn in evangelical circles. It stands out as a hymn that doesn’t merely tell a story or express emotion—it preaches. It carries a gospel message that is portable, singable, and memorable. For those under conviction, the song offers hope; for the evangelist, it is a tool of proclamation. For the believer, it is a reminder of the simplicity and beauty of their salvation. Theologically, it captures the Reformation principle of sola fide (faith alone) while wrapped in the joyful tone of American gospel music. This accessibility is what has allowed the hymn to cross generational and denominational lines. From Baptist churches in the South to mission halls in the Midwest, this hymn has echoed for well over a century, calling hearts to Christ.

In a devotional sense, “Look and Live” challenges believers to remember how simple the act of trust in Christ is. It strips away the confusion that often clouds evangelistic discourse and points to the cross in plain language. It is a hymn that glorifies Christ, not the singer’s ability to earn salvation. For this reason, it continues to be used not only in outreach settings but also in personal devotion, as a way to return to the foundational truths of the faith. It helps revive the soul by turning the eyes from self and struggle to the Savior who gives life.

William A. Ogden, through “Look and Live,” gave the church not just another hymn, but a lifelong invitation. His legacy is not only in musical notes and poetic meter, but in the countless souls that have heeded the call to “look to Jesus now, and live.” It remains one of the clearest musical representations of the gospel’s power to save, echoing Christ’s own words and capturing the heartbeat of evangelism.