Arise My Soul Arise Lyrics
Tune Name: LENOX
Composer: Lewis Edson
Meter: 6.6.8.6
Hymnbook Source: 18th-century American hymnals
Verse 1
Arise, my soul, arise; shake off thy guilty fears;
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears:
Before the throne my surety stands,
Before the throne my surety stands,
My name is written on His hands.
Verse 2
He ever lives above, for me to intercede;
His all redeeming love, His precious blood, to plead:
His blood atoned for all our race,
His blood atoned for all our race,
And sprinkles now the throne of grace.
Verse 3
Five bleeding wounds He bears; received on Calvary;
They pour effectual prayers; they strongly plead for me:
Forgive him, O forgive, they cry,
Forgive him, O forgive, they cry,
Nor let that ransomed sinner die!
Verse 4
The Father hears Him pray, His dear anointed One;
He cannot turn away, the presence of His Son;
His Spirit answers to the blood,
His Spirit answers to the blood,
And tells me I am born of God.
Verse 5
My God is reconciled; His pardoning voice I hear;
He owns me for His child; I can no longer fear:
With confidence I now draw nigh,
With confidence I now draw nigh,
And Father, Abba, Father, cry.
Hymn Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Arise My Soul Arise |
| Author / Lyricist | Charles Wesley (1707–1788) |
| Composer / Tune | Traditional / adapted from Wesleyan hymn tunes |
| Date Written / Published | Mid-18th century |
| Historical Context | Part of the Methodist revival emphasizing personal holiness and active faith. |
| Theme / Message | Call to spiritual awakening and renewed commitment to Christ. |
| Notable Features | Urgent, exhortative language; suitable for congregational singing. |
| Cultural / Religious Impact | Common in Methodist hymnals; used in revival meetings and daily devotionals. |
| Source / Scholarship | Charles Wesley: His Hymns and Life – Kenneth W. Osbeck |
Hymn Similarities and Biblical Scholar Analysis On This Hymn:
| Scholar | View / Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Charles Wesley, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1707–1788 | Wesley authored the hymn, emphasizing spiritual awakening and personal revival. |
| John Julian, Author, A Dictionary of Hymnology, 1829–1913 | Julian highlights the hymn’s use in evangelical revival meetings to encourage zeal. |
| Philip Doddridge, Nonconformist Minister & Hymn Writer, 1702–1751 | Doddridge emphasizes spiritual awakening and perseverance, themes central to this hymn. |
| John Newton, Anglican Clergyman & Hymn Writer, 1725–1807 | Newton stresses the believer’s renewal and active faith, which the hymn encourages. |
| Folliott S. Pierpoint, Anglican Hymn Writer, 1835–1917 | Pierpoint remarks on its energetic rhythm and suitability for congregational singing. |
About Arise, My Soul, Arise
I grew up hearing many of these great hymns by the famous Christian songwriter, Charles Wesley. In this hymn, Wesley encourages us to arise and shake off those fears and sins that so easily beset us so we can position ourselves for the Master's holy use. May God reveal to us the power by His Holy Spirit to overcome sin and walk fully in our God-given inheritance for we are born of God in Jesus' Name. Amen.
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