Bill Gaither - Because He Lives I Can Face Tomorrow Lyrics
Lyrics
God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
How sweet to hold a newborn baby
And feel the pride and joy He gives
But greater still the calm assurance
This child can face uncertain day, because He lives
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
And then one day, I'll cross the river
I'll fight life's final war with pain
And then, as death gives way to victory
I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He reigns
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
Video
Bill & Gloria Gaither - Because He Lives
Meaning & Inspiration
Released on 2023-04-09, Bill Gaither’s timeless anthem, "Because He Lives I Can Face Tomorrow," continues to resonate with profound spiritual depth, offering a steadfast message of hope and assurance in an ever-changing world. While the melodic structure provides a comforting backdrop, it is the lyrical narrative that truly anchors this song as a foundational piece of Christian expression, addressing universal human anxieties with an unwavering declaration of faith.
The song's core meaning unfolds as a three-act theological drama: the historical Christ, His present impact, and His future promise. It begins by establishing the bedrock of Christian belief, recounting the historical reality of Jesus Christ, God's Son, who "came to love, heal and forgive." This opening sets the stage for the pivotal event of His sacrificial death "to buy my pardon," culminating in the triumphant truth of an "empty grave." This narrative isn't just history; it's the very foundation of salvation, affirming the resurrection not merely as an event but as a living reality. Scripture corroborates this testimony in numerous passages, such as John 3:16, which speaks of God's immense love in sending His Son, and 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, which declares Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures. The empty tomb is the definitive proof, transforming abstract belief into concrete assurance.
The transformative power of this truth is immediately evident in the resounding chorus: "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow / Because He lives, all fear is gone / Because I know He holds the future / And life is worth the living, just because He lives." This refrain moves beyond mere doctrinal assent into a deeply personal confession. The resurrection of Jesus doesn't just offer historical proof; it actively dispels present fear and instills confidence for the future. The phrase "all fear is gone" echoes the promise found in 2 Timothy 1:7, which states that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Knowing "He holds the future" provides a divine counterpoint to human uncertainty, drawing on the wisdom of Jeremiah 29:11, where God declares His plans for us—plans for welfare and not for evil, to give us a future and a hope. This assurance transforms daily existence, making life inherently "worth the living."
The song then thoughtfully extends its message to encompass the future of new generations. The tender imagery of "How sweet to hold a newborn baby / And feel the pride and joy He gives" transitions seamlessly into a deeper spiritual truth. While the immediate joy of new life is precious, "greater still the calm assurance / This child can face uncertain day, because He lives." This speaks to a parent's deepest desire for their child's well-being and security, found not in worldly provisions but in the enduring power of Christ. It reflects the biblical encouragement in Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own," applying this principle to the broader trajectory of life for everyone, young or old, through the lens of Christ's victory. The knowledge that Jesus lives offers a spiritual legacy far more profound than any earthly inheritance.
Finally, the song confronts the ultimate human unknown: death. "And then one day, I'll cross the river / I'll fight life's final war with pain / And then, as death gives way to victory / I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He reigns." This profound articulation of the believer's journey through mortality offers not dread, but triumph. The "crossing the river" is a classic metaphor for death, but it is not an end. The imagery of "death gives way to victory" powerfully echoes Paul's triumphant declaration in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" It paints a vivid picture of the ultimate promise: eternal life in glory, where sorrow and pain are no more, as foretold in Revelation 21:4. The song culminates in the certainty that at death, believers will not only experience glory but will definitively "know He reigns," affirming Christ's eternal sovereignty over all creation and beyond.
"Because He Lives I Can Face Tomorrow" stands as a testament to the enduring power of the Gospel message. It skillfully translates complex theological truths—the incarnation, atonement, resurrection, and eternal hope—into an accessible and deeply personal affirmation. Its brilliance lies in its ability to connect Christ's historical victory with our present peace and future certainty, offering an inspiring framework for navigating life's challenges with courage and joy. It is more than a song; it is a declaration of unwavering faith that continues to uplift and encourage, firmly grounding believers in the triumphant reality of a living Savior.