Here’s a new Easter hymn by Christopher Idle. It is available on The Jubilate Group website.
If Christ had not been raised from death
(based on 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20)
If Christ had not been raised from death
our faith would be in vain,
our preaching but a waste of breath,
our sin and guilt remain.
But now the Lord is risen indeed;
he rules in earth and heaven:
his Gospel meets a world of need
in Christ we are forgiven.
If Christ still lay within the tomb
then death would be the end,
and we should face our final doom
with neither guide nor friend.
But now the Saviour is raised up,
so when a Christian dies
we mourn, yet look to God in hope
in Christ the saints arise!
If Christ had not been truly raised
his church would live a lie;
his name should never more be praised,
his words deserve to die.
But now our great Redeemer lives;
through him we are restored;
his word endures, his church revives
in Christ, our risen Lord.
— written by Christopher Idle, based on 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20. Copyright © Christopher Idle/Jubilate Hymns Ltd. Posted on The Jubilate Group website. Be sure to visit there for many other excellent worship resources (spoken and sung).
Tune suggestions:
Traditional options:
ELLACOMBE (“I sing the mighty power of God”)
KINGSFOLD (“O God of love, grant us your peace”)
LANDAS (“My faith has found a resting place”)
Contemporary options:
“My heart is filled with thankfulness” Keith Getty, Stuart Townend
RESIGNATION (American folk melody)
If you use this hymn in worship, be sure to report it on your CCLI license.
For more worship resources for Easter, click on Easter in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page.
