Olney Hymns · Chapter
The Resurrection and the Life explained
This hymn, based on John 11:25, celebrates Christ as the resurrection and the life.
What happens
This hymn, based on John 11:25, celebrates Christ as the resurrection and the life. It emphasizes that through faith in Him, believers receive new life and will never die spiritually. The hymn also acknowledges the ongoing struggle against sin and Satan, and looks to Christ for preservation and renewal, ultimately declaring Him to be our life, resurrection, hope, joy, and all.
Themes in this chapter
Faith and Trust in Christ
The hymn emphasizes that by faith in Christ, the soul receives new life and believes in His name for salvation.
Hope of Heaven and Eternal Life
Christ is described as the resurrection and the life, promising that believers shall live to die no more.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Declared as the glorious head, the resurrection and the life, and the one who awakens sinners and preserves the faithful.
- Satan
Mentioned as one who, along with sin, daily strives to quench the sacred flame of faith.
- The Lord
Addressed as gracious Lord, asked to fulfill His promise and put forth His Spirit with the word.
- The Holy Spirit
Implied in the request for the Lord to put forth His Spirit with the word to cause the dead to hear.
Key passages
“I am the resurrection of the dead, The life of all that live.”
Christ is the source of resurrection and the giver of life to all who believe.
This is a direct reference to Jesus' statement in John 11:25, affirming His divine power over death.
“The sinner, sleeping in his grave, Shall at my voice awake;”
Those who are spiritually dead will be awakened by Christ's call to salvation.
This echoes the resurrection of Lazarus and the spiritual awakening of sinners.
“For sin and Satan daily strive To quench the sacred flame.”
Sin and Satan constantly attempt to extinguish the fire of faith within believers.
This highlights the ongoing spiritual warfare that believers face.