Alfred Ackley Grave

Hymn History: He Lives & Author: Alfred Henry Ackley

“He once said, ‘The thought of His ever-living presence brought the music promptly and easily.’”
(Bruce Creswell)

The Origin of the Hymn “He Lives” (I Serve a Risen Savior)

Few gospel hymns capture the joy and assurance of the resurrection as powerfully as “He Lives”, also known by its opening line, “I serve a risen Savior.” Written in the early twentieth century by Alfred Henry Ackley (1887–1960), the hymn continues to be a vibrant testimony to Christians around the world that Christ is not a memory or a figure of history—but a living, personal Savior who walks with His people today.

The Man Behind the Hymn

Alfred H. Ackley was born in Spring Hill, Pennsylvania, in 1887. His father, a gifted musician, recognized his son’s talent early and trained him in both vocal and instrumental music. Ackley later studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, becoming an accomplished cellist. Returning to the United States, he completed theological training at Westminster Theological Seminary and was ordained as a Presbyterian minister.

Ackley’s life was thus shaped by two strong callings—his faith and his music—and throughout his ministry, he combined the two to spread the gospel. He served congregations in California and Pennsylvania, and he was a prolific composer, credited with writing more than 1,500 gospel songs and hymns, many of which were published by the Rodeheaver Company, a leading publisher of gospel music in the early twentieth century.

The Circumstances That Inspired “He Lives”

The story of “He Lives” begins in the years following World War I, a time when faith was being tested and skepticism was growing. One Sunday morning, as Ackley was preparing his sermon, he heard a radio preacher declare, “It really doesn’t matter to me whether Christ is risen or not. His body could be in a tomb somewhere—the message of His life is what’s important.”

Ackley was deeply disturbed by that statement. To him, the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ was not merely symbolic; it was the cornerstone of Christian faith. Without the living Christ, Christianity had no power, no hope, and no joy. He later said that hearing such a denial of Christ’s resurrection stirred him “to the very depths of his soul.”

That same day, Ackley preached with renewed conviction on the reality of the risen Lord. But still, his heart was burdened. Later, at home, his brother Bentley, who was also a musician and hymnwriter, urged him, “Why don’t you write a song about it?” Taking his Bible, Ackley opened to Luke 24:5–6, where the angel said to the women at the tomb: “Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen.”

Those words became the spark. Ackley sat down at his piano, and the words poured out of his heart:

I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living, whatever men may say.

Within a short time, the hymn “He Lives” was complete—both the lyrics and the music. It was first published in 1933 by the Rodeheaver Hall-Mack Company and quickly became a favorite among churches and evangelists, particularly during the Easter season.

The Message of the Hymn

What makes “He Lives” so enduring is its personal testimony. Unlike some hymns that speak of doctrine or history, this song speaks of relationship. Ackley does not merely affirm that Jesus rose from the dead—he declares that he knows Christ lives because he experiences His presence daily:

He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way.

The refrain, repeated with joyful conviction, turns theology into heartfelt praise. It is both confession and celebration, emphasizing that faith in Christ is not confined to ancient events but is alive in the believer’s daily walk.

The Legacy of “He Lives”

Over the decades, “He Lives” has been translated into many languages and included in nearly every major evangelical hymnal. It became especially popular during the revival era of the mid-20th century, when gospel songs that emphasized personal experience with Christ resonated deeply with congregations.

Billy Graham’s evangelistic crusades often featured songs like “He Lives” because of their simple yet powerful gospel message. Even today, on Easter Sunday, congregations across denominational lines sing Ackley’s hymn with enthusiasm and conviction.

Musically, the hymn’s bright major key, lively rhythm, and ascending melody perfectly match its triumphant message. It is music that sounds like victory—celebrating the living Christ who conquered death and sin.

A Faith That Lives

Alfred Ackley continued writing and ministering until his death in 1960. Though he wrote hundreds of hymns, “He Lives” remains his most famous work. Its message reflects the heart of his ministry: a personal, living faith grounded in the reality of the risen Lord.

More than ninety years after it was written, “He Lives” continues to inspire believers to proclaim, not just with their lips but with their lives, that Jesus Christ is alive and active in the world today. In every verse and refrain, Ackley’s hymn stands as a musical sermon echoing the angel’s words from the empty tomb—“He is not here; He is risen.”