Low in the Grave He Lay
A Sermon based on
the hymn by Robert Lowry
Introduction
“Low in the Grave He
Lay” is one of the most stirring resurrection hymns ever written,
proclaiming the glorious victory of Jesus Christ over death. Composed by
Robert Lowry in 1874, this hymn begins in the somber quiet of the tomb
but explodes into triumph with the resounding word:
“Up from the grave He arose!”
It captures both the sorrow of the crucifixion and the joy of
resurrection morning, echoing the heartbeat of the gospel—Jesus died,
was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).
This hymn mirrors the
emotional arc of the first disciples. They saw Jesus buried in sorrow,
but three days later rejoiced with wonder at the empty tomb. Each stanza
builds upon the truth that Jesus’ resurrection was not merely a
miraculous event—it was a declaration of power over death, sin, and the
grave. Romans 6:9 proclaims, “Christ being raised from the dead dieth no
more; death hath no more dominion over him.” This hymn does more than
remind us of a past event; it calls us to live in the power of that
resurrection today. Let us walk through each stanza and rejoice in the
risen Christ, our triumphant King.
Stanza 1
“Low in the grave He
lay, Jesus my Savior,
Waiting the coming day, Jesus my Lord!”
This stanza captures
the darkness of the tomb—Jesus buried, His body still, His mission
seemingly ended. But He lay there
waiting, not
defeated. This echoes Matthew 27:59–60 and Isaiah 53:9, where Jesus is
buried in a rich man’s tomb. The words “waiting the coming day”
foreshadow the dawn of resurrection. Even in the grave, Jesus was not
overcome. He lay in perfect obedience, fulfilling prophecy, waiting to
rise in power (Psalm 16:10).
Stanza 2
“Vainly they watch
His bed, Jesus my Savior,
Vainly they seal the dead, Jesus my Lord!”
Here we see the
futility of human effort to restrain divine power. Guards were stationed
(Matthew 27:65–66), and the tomb sealed—but it was all in vain. The
grave could not keep the Author of life (Acts 2:24). Just as the Jewish
leaders tried to silence Him in life, they tried to contain Him in
death. Yet all such efforts were futile. The Lord would rise, just as He
promised (Matthew 28:6).
Stanza 3
“Death cannot keep
his prey, Jesus my Savior;
He tore the bars away, Jesus my Lord!”
This stanza
triumphantly declares Jesus’ absolute victory over death. As Hebrews
2:14 says, through death He destroyed the one who had the power of
death. He did not just survive death—He
tore the bars away
(Revelation 1:18). Jesus is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25),
and death had no claim on Him. This is the foundation of Christian
hope—that just as Christ was raised, so too shall we be (Romans 6:5).
Chorus
“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!”
The chorus is a
thunderous proclamation of resurrection glory. Jesus is not only
risen—He is victorious! This echoes 1 Corinthians 15:55–57: “O death,
where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” Jesus reigns now,
exalted at the right hand of God (Acts 2:33; Hebrews 10:12). His
resurrection ensures ours. Every “Hallelujah!” is a shout of confidence,
joy, and eternal praise.
Low in the Grave He Lay Sermon
Outline:
Introduction
Stanza 1 –
Buried in the Tomb
-
Matthew 27:59–60
– Jesus laid in Joseph’s tomb
-
Isaiah 53:9 –
Buried with the rich in death
-
Psalm 16:10 –
God would not allow His Holy One to see corruption
Stanza 2 –
Human Effort is Vain
-
Matthew 27:65–66
– Guards at the tomb
-
Acts 2:24 –
Death could not hold Him
-
Matthew 28:6 –
“He is not here, for He is risen!”
Stanza 3 –
Christ Breaks Death’s Power
-
Hebrews 2:14 –
Destroyed him who had the power of death
-
Revelation 1:18
– Keys of death and Hades
-
John 11:25 – “I
am the resurrection and the life”
-
Romans 6:5 –
United with Him in resurrection
Chorus – The
Triumph of the Resurrection
-
1 Corinthians
15:55–57 – Victory over death and the grave
-
Acts 2:33 –
Exalted at God’s right hand
-
Hebrews 10:12 –
Sat down after offering one sacrifice
-
Revelation 22:5
– Reigns forever with His saints
Call to Action
Do you believe in
the risen Christ? His resurrection is not just a story—it’s the very
ground of your salvation. Jesus died for your sins, was buried, and rose
again. Will you respond in obedient faith? Believe (John 8:24), repent
(Luke 13:3), confess Him (Romans 10:9–10), and be baptized into His
death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–5). Rise to walk in newness of
life—and one day, rise to eternal life.
Scripture Reference List
Matthew 27:59–60 –
Burial of Jesus
Isaiah 53:9 – Buried with the rich
Psalm 16:10 – God would not allow corruption
Matthew 27:65–66 – Tomb sealed and guarded
Acts 2:24 – Death could not hold Him
Matthew 28:6 – “He is risen”
Hebrews 2:14 – Jesus destroyed death
Revelation 1:18 – Jesus holds the keys of death
John 11:25 – “I am the resurrection”
Romans 6:5 – United with Christ in resurrection
1 Corinthians 15:55–57 – Victory over death
Acts 2:33 – Jesus exalted
Hebrews 10:12 – Jesus’ one-time sacrifice
Revelation 22:5 – Reigns forever
John 8:24 – Believe in Jesus
Luke 13:3 – Repentance
Romans 10:9–10 – Confession
Romans 6:3–5 – Baptism into His death and resurrection
Song History
“Low in the Grave He
Lay,” also known as “Christ Arose,” was written by Robert Lowry in 1874.
Lowry was a Baptist preacher and hymn composer who aimed to make
doctrinal truths singable and memorable. Though not from the churches of
Christ, this hymn has become a treasured anthem in a cappella worship,
especially during the Lord’s Day or Resurrection-themed services.
Prepared by David Hersey of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO
 |
The
church of Christ
