1 I KNOW that my Redeemer lives,
He lives, and on the earth shall stand;
And though to worms my flesh he gives,
My dust lies numbered in his hand.
2 In this re-animated clay
I surely shall behold him near;
Shall see him in the latter day
In all his majesty appear.
3 I feel what then shall raise me up,
The eternal Spirit lives in me;
This is my confidence of hope,
That God I face to face shall see.
4 Mine own and not another's eyes
The King shall in his beauty view;
I shall from him receive the prize,
The starry crown to victors due.
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I Know That My Redeemer Lives (928) Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
I Know That My Redeemer Lives (928) by Charles Wesley is a hymn that proclaims the confidence and assurance of the believer in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. It is based on the biblical truth found in Job 19:25-26, where Job declares his faith in his Redeemer. This hymn is a powerful declaration of faith and trust in God, and it has been sung and cherished by Christians for centuries.
1. The Assurance of the Believer
The hymn begins with the confident declaration, "I know that my Redeemer lives." This line sets the tone for the entire song, emphasizing the personal assurance of the believer in the living Redeemer. It is a statement of faith and trust in God's saving power. The hymn goes on to express the believer's confidence in the future resurrection and the hope of seeing the Redeemer face to face.
2. The Resurrection of the Believer
The second verse of the hymn acknowledges the temporary nature of human life and the reality of death. However, it affirms the believer's faith in the resurrection and the certainty of standing before the Redeemer in the latter days. This line reminds us that our bodies may return to dust, but our spirits are secure in the hands of God.
3. The Indwelling Spirit
The third verse of the hymn speaks of the presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life. It declares that the believer is filled with the eternal Spirit, giving them confidence and hope. This recognition of the indwelling Spirit reflects the biblical truth that the Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14).
4. The Glorious Appearance of the Redeemer
The fourth verse anticipates the glorious appearance of the Redeemer. It speaks of the believer's longing to see the Redeemer's beauty and to receive the reward promised to the faithful. This verse echoes the biblical promise that we will receive a crown of glory when Christ, the Chief Shepherd, appears (1 Peter 5:4).
The meaning of the song is clear - it is a declaration of faith in the living Redeemer, the assurance of the believer's future resurrection, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the hope of seeing the Redeemer face to face. It is a hymn of trust and confidence in God's saving power and a reminder that our ultimate hope is in Christ alone.
The inspiration or song story behind "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" is not explicitly mentioned, but it is believed to have been written by Charles Wesley as a reflection of his personal faith and experience. Charles Wesley, along with his brother John Wesley, played a significant role in the Methodist movement and wrote numerous hymns that continue to be sung by Christians around the world. This hymn is a testament to Charles Wesley's deep faith and theological understanding.
The hymn is firmly rooted in biblical truth and can be considered a faithful expression of Christian doctrine. It is based on the words of Job, who declared his faith in his Redeemer even in the midst of great suffering. Job's words foreshadowed the coming of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Redeemer, who would conquer sin and death through his death and resurrection.
The biblical references in the hymn are clear. The first verse echoes Job 19:25-26, where Job declares, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God." This verse is a powerful affirmation of faith in the living Redeemer and the hope of resurrection.
The mention of the Holy Spirit in the third verse aligns with the biblical teaching of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in believers. The New Testament speaks of the Holy Spirit as the seal and guarantee of our salvation (Ephesians 1:13-14) and the one who empowers and transforms us for holy living (Romans 8:9-11).
The hope of seeing the Redeemer face to face in the fourth verse is consistent with the biblical promise of the second coming of Christ. The New Testament teaches that Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead (Matthew 24:30-31) and that those who have put their faith in him will receive a crown of glory (1 Peter 5:4).
In conclusion, "I Know That My Redeemer Lives" is a powerful and biblical hymn that expresses the believer's confidence and assurance in the redeeming work of Jesus Christ. It proclaims the hope of resurrection, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the anticipation of seeing the Redeemer face to face. The hymn is firmly rooted in scripture and reflects the deep faith and theological understanding of Charles Wesley. It continues to be sung by Christians around the world as a declaration of faith and trust in God's saving power.
