Hymn
When the Risen Christ Ascended
Words: Ryan Daniel Cornett
Music: François-Hippolyte Barthélémon
Tune: AUTUMN
Meter: 8.7.8.7.D.
Stanza 1
When the risen Christ ascended,
With the pow'r of sin undone,
Death's dominion, long extended,
Fell before the Living One.
On the path once sealed from Adam,
He, our Champion, forged the way,
Led a captive host to freedom,
Into everlasting day.
Stanza 2
Lift your heads, ye ancient arches!
Open wide, ye gates of old!
Forth the King of Glory marches—
Christ returning with His fold!
He the dreadful curse has ended,
And the serpent's head has crushed,
Up the hill of God ascended,
Raised to heaven men of dust.
Stanza 3
Soon the King, in splendor glorious,
Shall descend with trumpet sound;
He will ever reign victorious,
With His people's praises crowned.
All renewed, injustice righted,
From the grave we shall arise;
Ev'ry saint at last united,
We will join Him in the skies.
About the song
This hymn celebrates Christ's triumphant ascension as the victorious King who has conquered sin, death, and the curse, opening the way to eternal glory for His redeemed people. Drawing upon the imagery of Psalm 24 and Christ's victory over the serpent, it looks forward to His glorious return, the resurrection of the saints, and the everlasting reign of the King of Glory.
Themes
Scripture references
Psalm 24:7-10; Psalm 68:18; Genesis 3:15; Romans 5:12-19; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; Galatians 3:13; Ephesians 4:8-10; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 2:13-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Hebrews 2:14-15; Hebrews 10:19-20; Hebrews 12:22-24; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 21:1-5