15 Easter Hymns To Praise Jesus’ Victory Over Sin

1. All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name

“All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” was written by Edward Perronet (1726-1792) in 1779 and is often referred to as “The National Anthem of Christendom.” Perronet wrote eight verses of the song while serving as a missionary in India and titled it “On the Resurrection, the Lord is King.”

“Only the first verse was originally published in the Gospel Magazine in November 1779 anonymously. All eight verses were later published in the April 1780 issue and were accompanied by an acrostic poem that spelled out Edward Perronet, revealing the author. Edward Perronet was ordained into the Anglican Church but eventually deferred to the evangelical movement of John and Charles Wesley. The popularity of this late-18th-century hymn may be partially explained by the fact it is included in hymnals with as many as three different musical arrangements: CORONATION, DIADEM, and MILES’ LANE. Each tune reflects a different cultural and denominational context in which this hymn is sung.” (Excerpted from “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” by GodTube Editorial Staff)

When it comes to hymns, it seems like everyone has a favorite verse or two. Personally, I especially love the first two verses of the song. It’s such a powerful song to sing on Easter Sunday as we remember the power of Jesus’ name and how His grace saves us.

All hail the power of Jesus’ name! Let angels prostrate fall.
 Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all.
 Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all!

O seed of Israel’s chosen race, now ransomed from the fall,
 Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all.
 Hail him who saves you by his grace, and crown him Lord of all!

“Anciently, [a diadem is] a head-band or fillet worn by kings as a badge or royalty. It was made of silk, linen or wool, and tied round the temples and forehead, the ends being tied behind and let fall on the neck. It was usually white and plain; sometimes embroidered with gold, or set with pearls and precious stones” (Webster’s Dictionary 1828).

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2. Amazing Grace

“Amazing Grace” is one of Christianity's most popular and well-known songs. The origin of the song, however, is less known. 

I find Cary O’Dell’s essay on the song for the National Recording Preservation Board Fascinating. O’Dell writes, “‘Amazing Grace’ was first published in 1779; it was written by the English poet and Anglican clergyman John Newton. Newton began writing its now-famous lyrics in 1773 to illustrate a sermon he was giving on New Year’s Day. Originally, it is believed that the congregation simply recited the words or chanted them as part of the church service. Later, Newton’s powerful words of divine love and forgiveness would be put to music, a variety of melodies were used until the one we all know today was composed in 1835 (some sources give 1844) by William Walker.”

Before John Newton was a poet and Anglican clergyman, he was a sailor. “Since the age of eleven, he had lived a life at sea. Sailors were not noted for the refinement of their manners, but Newton had a reputation for profanity, coarseness, and debauchery, which even shocked many a sailor.” (Excerpted from “Amazing Grace” by GodTube Editorial Staff).

An incredible storm at sea turned Newton’s heart to God. He was saved from the sea and his sins when he put his faith in God.

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
 That saved a wretch like me!
 I once was lost, but now am found;
 Was blind, but now I see.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
 I have already come;
 ’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
 And grace will lead me home.

Listen to Amazing Grace 

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3. And Can It Be

This beautiful hymn was written by the well-known hymn writer Charles Wesley. Over the course of his life, Wesley wrote six thousand hymns. “And Can It Be” is considered one of the best-loved out of the many hymns he wrote—and it was one of his first! Wesley wrote the hymn immediately after placing his faith in Jesus Christ on May 21, 1738.

And can it be that I should gain An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
 Died He for me, who caused His pain? For me, who Him to death pursued?
 Amazing love! How can it be That Thou, my God, should die for me?

[Refrain] Amazing love! how can it be
 That Thou, my God, should die for me!

‘Tis mystery all! Th’Immortal dies! Who can explore His strange design?
 In vain, the firstborn seraph tries To sound the depths of love divine!
 ‘Tis mercy all! let earth adore, Let angel minds inquire no more. 

[Refrain]

He left His Father’s throne above, So free, so infinite His grace;
 Emptied Himself of all but love, And bled for Adam’s helpless race;
 ‘Tis mercy all, immense and free; For, O my God, it found out me. 

[Refrain]

Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
 Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray, I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
 My chains fell off, my heart was free; I rose, went forth and followed Thee. 

[Refrain]

No condemnation now I dread; Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
 Alive in Him, my living Head, And clothed in righteousness divine,
 Bold I approach th’eternal throne, And claim the crown, through Christ my own. 

[Refrain]

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4. Christ Arose!

The hymn “Christ Arose!” is known by a few different names. If you don’t recognize the title, perhaps you’ll recognize “Up from the Grave He Arose” or “Low in the Grave He Lay.” The song was written by Robert Lowry in 1874 when he was 48 years old.

“Dr. Lowry was a man of rare administrative ability, a most excellent preacher, a thorough Bible student, and whether in the pulpit or upon the platform, always a brilliant and interesting speaker. He was of a genial and pleasing disposition, and a high sense of humor was one of his most striking characteristics. Very few men had greater ability in painting pictures from the imagination. He could thrill an audience with his vivid descriptions, inspiring others with the same thoughts that inspired him.” (Excerpted from “Christ Arose!” by GodTube Editorial Staff)

This man of many talents penned the words that are a favorite Easter hymn even today.

Low in the grave He lay, Jesus my Savior, 
 waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!

[Refrain] Up from the grave he arose; with a mighty triumph o’er his foes; 
 he arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever, with his saints to reign. 
 He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose!

Vainly they watch His bed, Jesus my Savior,
 vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord! 

[Refrain]

Death cannot keep its prey, Jesus my Savior;
 he tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord! 

[Refrain]

Listen to Christ Arose! 

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5. Christ the Lord is Risen Today

Here we have another hymn written by Charles Wesley, mostly. Wesley wrote the hymn in 1739, but he based it off an older Bohemian hymn titled “Jesus Christ is Risen Today.” It is unknown who wrote the original hymn. “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” was specifically written for Easter with an original title of “Hymn for Easter Day.”

“It has been considered by many Christian hymnologists as being the most definitive church anthem for Easter. Each verse of “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today” features a focus on the Resurrection of Jesus.” (Excerpted from “Christ The Lord Is Risen Today” by GodTube Editorial Staff)

Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! 
 Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia! 
 Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia! 
 Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia! 

Love’s redeeming work is done, Alleluia! 
 Fought the fight, the battle won, Alleluia! 
 Death in vain forbids him rise, Alleluia! 
 Christ has opened paradise, Alleluia! 

Lives again our glorious King, Alleluia! 
 Where, O death, is now thy sting? Alleluia! 
 Once he died our souls to save, Alleluia! 
 Where’s thy victory, boasting grave? Alleluia! 

Soar we now where Christ has led, Alleluia! 
 Following our exalted Head, Alleluia! 
 Made like him, like him we rise, Alleluia! 
 Ours the cross, the grave, the skies, Alleluia! 

Hail the Lord of earth and heaven, Alleluia! 
 Praise to thee by both be given, Alleluia! 
 Thee we greet triumphant now, Alleluia! 
 Hail the Resurrection, thou, Alleluia! 

King of glory, soul of bliss, Alleluia! 
 Everlasting life is this, Alleluia! 
 Thee to know, thy power to prove, Alleluia! 
 Thus to sing, and thus to love, Alleluia!

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6. Because He Lives

“‘Because He Lives’ is one of the most famous hymns written by wedded songwriters Bill and Gloria Gaither.” Written in 1971, “its lyrics praise the sacrifice and salvation found in Jesus Christ through faith.” (Excerpted from “Because He Lives” by GodTube Editorial Staff)

I love to sing this slightly more modern hymn on Easter. The lyrics are powerful and not only tell the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection. They also remind me of all of the things that are true because Jesus lives. He did not stay in that grave; instead, He conquered sin and death when He rose from the dead.

“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.

You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil because God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and Jerusalem.

They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. He was not seen by all the people but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.’” Acts 10:34-43 (NIV)

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7. Faith is the Victory!

“Faith Is the Victory!” was written in 1891 by Rev. John H. Yates. “At about the age of twenty, Mr. Yates began writing poetry at the solicitation of his mother, and very soon his ballads and hymns were printed and sung all over the land. In 1891, Ira D. Sankey, the famous singer, engaged Mr. Yates to write gospel hymns for him solely. … After the contract with Mr. Sankey, … hymns soon appeared from the pen of Mr. Yates [including] ‘Faith is the Victory.’” (Excerpted from “Short Biography of John Yates” on PopularHymns.com)

Encamped along the hills of light, Ye Christian soldiers, rise,
And press the battle ere the night Shall veil the glowing skies.
Against the foe in vales below, Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know, That overcomes the world.

[Refrain] Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
Oh, glorious victory, That overcomes the world.

His banner over us is love, Our Sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints above With shouts of triumph trod
By faith they, like a whirlwind's breath, Swept on o'er ev'ry field;
The faith by which they conquered death is still our shining shield.

On ev'ry hand the foe we find Drawn up in dread array;
Let tents of ease be left behind, And onward to the fray;
Salvation's helmet on each head, With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble 'neath our treat, And echo with our shout.

To him that overcomes the foe, White raiment shall be giv'n;
Before the angels he shall know His name confessed in heav'n.
Then onward from the hills of light, Our hearts with love aflame,
We'll vanquish all the costs of night, In Jesus' conqu'ring name.

Listen to Faith Is the Victory!

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8. Listen to Him! Praise Him!

“Praise Him Praise Him!” was written by the talented Fanny Crosby in the year 1869. Fanny was born Frances Jane Crosby in New York on March 24, 1820. At six weeks old, Fanny Crosby lost her eyesight due to complications from illness. She attended the New York Institution for the Blind, where she taught for many years. In 1864 she began to write Sunday-school hymns for Wm. B. Bradbury. 

Crosby wrote hymns from her vast knowledge of the Bible. She “knew a great many portions of the Bible by heart, and had committed to memory the first four books of the Old Testament, and also the four Gospels before she was ten years of age.” (Excerpted from “Praise Him! Praise Him!” by GodTube Editorial Staff)

[Refrain] Praise him! praise him! tell of his excellent greatness!
Praise him! praise him! ever in joyful song!

Praise him! praise him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! For our sins he suffered and bled and died;
He our Rock, our hope of eternal salvation, Hail him! hail him! Jesus the Crucified!
Sound his praises—Jesus who bore our sorrows—Love unbounded, wonderful, deep and strong: 

[Refrain]

Praise him! praise him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring!
Jesus, Savior, reigneth for ever and ever, Crown him! crown him! Prophet and Priest and King!
Christ is coming, over the world victorious—Pow’r and glory unto the Lord belong: [Refrain]

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9. Just As I Am

“Just As I Am” is a much-loved hymn written by Charlotte Elliott in 1835. John Brownlie describes the hymn’s origin story in The Hymns and Hymn Writers of the Church Hymnary, how Charlotte’s reverend brother planned a charity event to raise funds for the education of clergyman’s daughters:

“The night before the bazaar she was kept wakeful by distressing thoughts of her apparent uselessness; and these thoughts passed by a transition easy to imagine into a spiritual conflict, till she questioned the reality of her whole spiritual life, and wondered whether it was anything better after all than an illusion of the emotions, an illusion ready to be sorrowfully dispelled. The next day, the busy day of the bazaar, she lay upon her sofa in that most pleasant boudoir set apart for her in Westfield Lodge, ever a dear resort to her friends. The troubles of the night came back upon her with such force that she felt they must be met and conquered in the grace of God. She gathered up in her soul the great certainties, not of her emotions, but of her salvation: her Lord, His power, His promise. And taking pen and paper from the table she deliberately set down in writing, for her own comfort, “the formulae of her faith.” Hers was a heart which always tended to express its depths in verse. So in verse, she restated to herself the Gospel of pardon, peace, and heaven.” (Book quote excerpted from “Just As I Am” by GodTube Editorial Staff)

Just as I am - without one plea,
 But that Thy blood was shed for me,
 And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
 -O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - of that free love
 The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove
 Here for a season, then above,
 -O Lamb of God, I come

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10. Crown Him With Many Crowns

Andrew Rinaldi of GodTube.com shares the very new-to-me history behind this popular hymn:

“The lyrics to this 1851 hymn were written by Matthew Bridges and Godfrey Thring. … The full song features twelve verses with two very different theological perspectives. … The original six stanzas were written by Bridges, who was a Catholic. … Then Thring wrote six new verses because he didn’t necessarily agree with the message of the popular hymn. The Anglican clergyman was concerned that Protestant congregations were singing Catholic theology. Now, the different verses are mixed and matched with three of the six more popular verses being written by Bridges, and three written by Thring.”

Crown him with many crowns, The Lamb upon his throne;
 Hark! How the heavenly anthem drowns All music but its own:
 Awake, my soul, and sing Of him who died for thee,
 And hail him as thy matchless king Through all eternity.

Crown him the Lord of life Who triumphed o’er the grave,
 And rose victorious in the strife For those he came to save;
 His glories now we sing Who died, and rose on high.
 Who died, eternal life to bring And lives that death may die.

(Read the full lyrics on GodTube.com)

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11. Tell Me the Old, Old Story

The words for “Tell Me the Old, Old Story” were written by Katherine Hankey while she was recovering from a serious illness. According to Christian Music and Hymns, the music was written by the musician George Washington Doan.

This is a great hymn to sing at Easter because it reminds us to share the good news of Jesus and His love for us simply and clearly. The old, old story can transform hearts and lives, and this hymn reminds us to share that story in a way others can understand. 

Tell me the old, old story Of unseen things above,

Of Jesus and His glory, Of Jesus and His love.

Tell me the story simply, As to a little child,

For I am weak and weary, And helpless and defiled.

[Refrain] Tell me the old, old story, Tell me the old, old story,

Tell me the old, old story, Of Jesus and His love.

Tell me the story slowly, That I may take it in,

That wonderful redemption, God’s remedy for sin.

Tell me the story often, For I forget so soon;

The early dew of morning Has passed away at noon.

[Refrain]

Tell me the story softly, With earnest tones and grave;

Remember, I’m the sinner Whom Jesus came to save.

Tell me the story always, If you would really be,

In any time of trouble, A comforter to me.

[Refrain]

Tell me the same old story When you have cause to fear

That this world’s empty glory Is costing me too dear.

Yes, and when that world’s glory Is dawning on my soul,

Tell me the old, old story: Christ Jesus makes thee whole.

[Refrain]

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12. Jesus Paid It All

The music and the words to “Jesus Paid It All” were written in 1865.

“Elvina Hall originally conceived the idea for ‘Jesus Paid It All’ while sitting in the choir loft listening to a Pastor’s prayer. … After writing this hymn, Hall gave it to her pastor and an extraordinary ‘coincidence’ took place that day at the Monument Street Methodist Church of Baltimore. Organist John Grape had recently written a new tune and given it to the pastor. The pastor saw that the tune and the poem fit together extremely well, so he united them. In that way, one of the most beloved hymns of the church came into being.” (Excerpted from “Jesus Paid it All” by GodTube Editorial Staff)

I hear the Savior say, “Thy strength indeed is small;
 Child of weakness, watch and pray, Find in Me thine all in all.”

[Refrain] Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe;
 Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.

For nothing good have I Whereby Thy grace to claim;
 I’ll wash my garments white In the blood of Calv’ry’s Lamb.

And now complete in Him, My robe, His righteousness,
 Close sheltered ’neath His side, I am divinely blest.

Lord, now indeed I find Thy pow’r, and Thine alone,
 Can change the leper’s spots And melt the heart of stone.

When from my dying bed My ransomed soul shall rise,
 “Jesus died my soul to save,” Shall rend the vaulted skies.

And when before the throne I stand in Him complete,
 I’ll lay my trophies down, All down at Jesus’ feet.

Listen to Jesus Paid It All

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13. Hallelujah, What a Savior!

Philip P. Bliss wrote the words and the music to “Hallelujah, What a Savior!” in 1875. “In the last public meeting before his untimely death, Philip Bliss, the hymn’s composer, conducted a service at the Michigan State Prison for 800 inmates. Many of them wept in true repentance as he spoke of Jesus’ redeeming death and sang the verses of ‘Hallelujah, What a Savior!’” (Excerpted from Songs and Hymns)

According to Hymnary.org, “Bliss’ tragic death at the age of thirty-eight happened near the end of 1876. Philip P. Bliss and his wife were traveling to Chicago to sing for the evangelistic services led by Daniel W. Whittle at Dwight L. Moody’s Tabernacle. But a train wreck and fire en route claimed their lives.”

This popular hymn was one of the last written by Bliss, but it continues to impact lives around the world.

“Man of Sorrows!” what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
 "Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
"It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Listen to Hallelujah, What a Savior!

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14. Lord is My Salvation

The words and music to “The Lord is My Salvation” were written by Keith and Kristyn Getty, Nathan Nockels, and Jonas Myrin. The Getty Music website shares, “This is a song of testimony, inspired in part by Psalm 27.”

Here is the passage that the song was partly based on:

The LORD is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. For in the day of trouble, he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his sacred tent and set me high upon a rock. Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his sacred tent I will sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD. Hear my voice when I call, LORD; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek. … I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. (Psalm 27:1-8, 13-14 NIV)

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15. In Christ Alone

I want to end with one of my favorite songs, a contemporary hymn that chronicles the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. The song is lyrical and powerful. It was written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend in 2002.

“‘The song came about in an unusual way,’ Townend explains. ‘Keith and I met in the autumn of 2000 at a worship event, and we resolved to try to work together on some songs. A few weeks later, Keith sent some melody ideas, and the first one on the CD was a magnificent, haunting melody that I loved and immediately started writing down some lyrical ideas on what I felt should be a timeless theme commensurate with the melody. So the theme of the life, death, resurrection of Christ, and the implications of that for us just began to tumble out, and when we got together later on to fine-tune it, we felt we had encapsulated what we wanted to say.’” (Excerpted from “In Christ Alone” by GodTube Editorial Staff)

Townend and Getty have gone on to write many more songs together. As popular as some of their other songs are, “In Christ Alone” continues to be a favorite among music lovers of all ages. Many others have recorded the song throughout the years, and I have no doubt it will continue to touch lives for many more years to come.

Listen to In Christ Alone

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