He Lives
"He Lives" is a Christian hymn, otherwise known by its first line, "I Serve a Risen Savior". It was composed in 1933 by Alfred Henry Ackley, and remains popular in a broad range of Christian churches.
History and theme
"He Lives" was written by Alfred Henry Ackley in 1933 and first published in 1934 by Rodeheaver Company. Ackley reported that he wrote the hymn in reaction to the question "Why should I worship a dead Jew?" Of the 1,500 hymns that Ackley wrote, "He Lives" is the most popular.The hymn discusses the experience of Christian believers that Jesus Christ lives within their hearts. A sentiment that reflects the Christian scriptures: “I am crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me.”—Galatians 2:20, and “That Christ may make His home in your hearts through faith.”—Ephesians 3:17. The fundamental foundation is the word "faith". As expressed by the hymn, Christian believers, through faith understand knowing Christ as a holy experience given by God, not just a "feeling".
The hymn is disliked by some who believe the song endorses a subjective appeal to experience, which is less reliable than the words of scripture.