463. If Christ had not been raised from death

Author: Christopher Idle

If Christ had not been raised from death
our faith would be in vain,
our preaching but a waste of breath,
our sin and guilt remain.
But now the Lord is risen indeed;
he rules in earth and heaven:
his gospel meets a world of need-
in Christ we are forgiven.

2. If Christ still lay within the tomb
then death would be the end
and we should face our final doom
with neither guide nor friend.
But now the Saviour is raised up,
so when a Christian dies
we mourn, yet look to God in hope-
in Christ the saints arise!

3. If Christ had not been truly raised
his church would live a lie;
his name should nevermore be praised,
his words deserve to die.
But now our great Redeemer lives;
through him we are restored;
his word endures, his church revives
in Christ, our risen Lord.