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
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
Because He Lives (Live At Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Greenville, SC/2018)
Because He Lives Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
The Gaither Vocal Band’s powerful rendition of “Because He Lives,” captured live at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC in 2018 and released on April 10, 2020, stands as a testament to an enduring hymn that has brought comfort and strength to countless individuals for decades. Penned by Bill and Gloria Gaither during a time of uncertainty and fear – marked by political upheaval, cultural shifts, and the imminent birth of their son, Benjamin – the song emerged from a deeply personal struggle to find peace in a chaotic world. The core question they wrestled with was how to face an unknown future without anxiety. The answer they found, and eloquently articulated in this song, is grounded entirely in the reality of Jesus Christ’s resurrection. His victory over death is not just a historical event; it is the living hope that transforms fear into confidence, despair into joy, and uncertainty into assurance.
This live performance by the Gaither Vocal Band magnifies that central message with remarkable clarity and vocal artistry. Each voice in the ensemble contributes to a rich tapestry of sound, building upon the simple yet profound melody. There is a palpable sense of conviction in their delivery, conveying the deeply personal nature of the song's truth. Unlike a studio recording, this version carries the energy and collective spirit of a live gathering, hinting at the shared experience of faith between the performers and the audience. The vocal arrangements are precise yet expressive, allowing the message to shine through without unnecessary embellishments. It’s a performance that feels both meticulously prepared and freely given, allowing the timeless words to resonate with fresh power.
The power of "Because He Lives" lies in its direct confrontation with life's most significant anxieties: fear of the future and fear of death. The song’s confidence is not based on wishful thinking or personal strength, but on the foundational truth of Scripture. When the song declares confidence for tomorrow, it echoes the promise Jesus gave His disciples in John 14:19: "Because I live, you also will live." This resurrection life of Christ is the source of a believer's strength to face whatever comes. The ability to live "without fear" is directly linked to Christ's triumph, fulfilling scriptures like Hebrews 2:14-15, which speaks of Jesus destroying the power of death and freeing those held captive by the fear of it. The peace the song speaks of mirrors the peace Christ offers in John 14:27 – a peace the world cannot give, distinct from the absence of trouble, rooted instead in the presence of the risen Savior.
Furthermore, the song’s acknowledgment of the struggles of life and the promise of meeting life’s problems reflects the biblical assurance of God’s provision and constant presence. Philippians 4:19 reminds believers that God will meet all their needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus, while Matthew 28:20 concludes with Jesus’ promise, "I am with you always, to the very end of the age." The ultimate hope conveyed is the promise of eternal life, the ability to face death knowing that it is not the end, but a passage into the eternal presence of the one who holds the keys of death and Hades (Revelation 1:18). John 11:25-26 encapsulates this hope beautifully: "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." The Gaither Vocal Band’s performance wraps these profound biblical truths in a melody and arrangement that makes them accessible and emotionally resonant, reminding all who hear that because Christ lives, we too can live, now and forever, free from the bondage of fear. This live recording captures not just a song, but a declaration of faith that continues to uplift and inspire, pointing relentlessly to the empty tomb and the living King.
