During the Easter season of 1874, while having his devotions one evening, Robert Lowry was impressed with the events associated with Christ’s resurrection, especially with these words recorded in Luke 24:6, 7 ‘He is not here, but is risen.’

Soon Robert Lowry found himself seated at the little pump organ in the parlor of his home. And in a very spontaneous fashion, the words and music of Christ Arose gave expression to the thoughts that had been uppermost in his mind.

The hymn was published the following year and has been an inspirational favorite with God’s people ever since.