One of my favourite Easter hymns is the 17th-century Latin hymn, “Finita iam sunt proelia” translated into English in 1861 by Francis Pott.
It reads: “Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
• The strife is o’er, the battle done;
Now is Victor’s triumph won; O let the song of praise be sung. Alleluia!
• Death’s mightiest powers have done their worst,
And Jesus hath His foes dispersed;
Let shouts of praise and joy outburst. Alleluia!
• On the third morn he rose again
Glorious in majesty to reign;
O let us swell the joyful strain. Alleluia!
• He brake the age-bound chains of hell;
The bars from heaven’s high portals fell;
Let hymns of praise for his triumph tell. Alleluia!
• Lord, by the stripes, which wounded thee
From death’s dread sting thy servants free,
That we may live, and sing to thee. Alleluia!
Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!”
I love this hymn because it spells out clearly the plundering (harrowing) of hell and the enemy of our souls by our Lord Jesus Christ for our redemption. Jesus by his death and resurrection broke the chains of death and hell over us and for us. In His resurrection, he won the battle over death and hades and took the keys (deprived them of their power and authority) with him thereby giving those who believe in Him victory and freedom from the bondage of Satan forever.
By His resurrection, Christ has proven that He is, indeed, the Sovereign Lord over creation, over death, over Satan, and overall evil. Death could not hold Him down and Satan could not hold Him captive. Darkness could not hide his blazing light. He won! He is victorious and we share in His victory by being united to Him through faith in Him.
. This is why Easter is the season of hope and shouts of triumph. It is a season to rejoice and remind ourselves of the victory that we already have in Christ. Our breakthrough is not around the corner. No, we already have our breakthrough in Christ and the evidence is His resurrection, which heralds a glorious future for us in the new heavens and new earth when we shall receive the fullness thereof. So, as you face the death, the darkness, the gloom, and the problems of this present life remember that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us to purchase our freedom and restoration through His death and rose victorious to assure us of that. Do not let go of your hope in Him and His promises. Hold on to them because He is alive and He will fulfil His promises to us who believe in His name.
We are Easter people and Alleluia is always and must always be our song because Jesus Christ is risen, indeed, and His victory is ours forever.
“The resurrection of Christ is the most important article of our faith. Without it, the hope of eternal life is extinguished” — John Calvin.
To God alone be glory and honour and praise forever and ever. Amen!
• The Rt. Rev’d (Dr.) Felix Orji, OSB. is Diocesan Bishop, Anglican Diocese of the West and the Coordinating Bishop of CONNAM. Holy Trinity Cathedral Church, 8402 Howell Sugarland Road Houston, Texas, 77083. www.adotw.com
