List of 30 Best and Popular Easter Hymns

 Easter is a time of deep reflection, overwhelming love, and triumphant joy. Through generations, hymns have captured the essence of this sacred season — guiding hearts from the sorrow of the crucifixion to the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Below is a curated collection of timeless Easter hymns, organized by themes that echo the journey of Christ and the hope He brings.

✝️ Reflecting on the Crucifixion
These hymns draw us to the foot of the cross, where the weight of sin met the depth of divine love. They invite us to contemplate the sacrifice Christ made and to worship with reverence.

1. THE OLD RUGGED CROSS – George Bennard
   Penned in 1912, this beloved hymn reflects the paradox of the cross—an instrument of suffering transformed into a symbol of hope. Bennard’s words draw us to cherish Christ’s sacrifice, echoing Galatians 6:14: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…”

2. WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS – Isaac Watts
   Considered one of the finest hymns ever written in the English language, this 1707 classic urges deep reflection on the magnitude of Christ’s sacrifice. Its piercing honesty calls us to abandon worldly pride in light of the crucified Savior (Philippians 3:7-8).

3. FOREVER – Kari Jobe & Brian Johnson
   With powerful modern imagery, this worship anthem recounts the events of Good Friday and the silence of the grave. Yet it sets the stage for resurrection, proclaiming victory with Romans 6:9 in mind: “Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more…”

4. THERE IS A FOUNTAIN FILLED WITH BLOOD – William Cowper
   Written from the heart of personal suffering and redemption, Cowper’s 18th-century hymn overflows with the message of cleansing power found in Christ’s blood (Zechariah 13:1). It's a timeless reminder that even the worst of sinners can be washed clean.

5. IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL – Horatio Spafford / Philip Bliss
   Born out of deep personal tragedy, this hymn beautifully captures peace in the midst of grief. Spafford's declaration—“my sin… is nailed to the cross”—is rooted in Colossians 2:14, celebrating the full cancellation of our debt.

6. WASHED BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB – Jesus Culture
   This contemporary worship song powerfully reiterates the theme of redemption through the wounds of Christ (Isaiah 53:5). It’s a call to remember that our guilt and shame were fully absorbed by the Savior at Calvary.

💖 Focusing on God’s Love
Easter reveals the heart of God—a Father who gave His only Son to redeem us. These hymns remind us of the unfailing, immeasurable love of our Savior.

7. AMAZING GRACE – John Newton
   A former slave trader turned preacher, Newton’s transformation is a living testimony of God's boundless grace (Titus 2:11). This hymn continues to testify that no one is beyond the reach of God's redeeming love.

8. HOW DEEP THE FATHER’S LOVE FOR US – Stuart Townend
   With poetic reverence, this modern hymn explores the pain the Father felt and the love He poured out through the cross. It echoes the truth of Romans 5:8: “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

9. GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD – Various Artists
   Inspired by John 3:16, this worshipful celebration focuses on the all-encompassing love of God. It reminds listeners that eternal life is freely offered to all who believe, secured through the cross.

10. IN CHRIST ALONE – Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
    A rich declaration of the Gospel in one song, this modern hymn traces the arc of redemption—from incarnation to resurrection. It’s anchored in the truth of 1 Peter 2:6: “Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone…”

11. JESUS LOVES ME – Anna B. Warner / William B. Bradbury
    Though often sung by children, this hymn carries timeless assurance. Its simplicity masks a profound truth found in Romans 8:39—nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

12. IN THE GARDEN – C. Austin Miles
    This reflective hymn paints an intimate picture of fellowship with the risen Christ, inspired by Mary Magdalene’s encounter in John 20:14-17. It invites believers to find comfort in the presence of their Savior.

13. GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS – Thomas Chisholm / William Runyan
    Rooted in Lamentations 3:22-23, this hymn proclaims God’s steadfast love and mercy through every season. It’s a beautiful reflection of His unchanging nature revealed through the cross and the resurrection.

🙏 Leaning on Faith
Easter invites us to respond to Christ’s resurrection with active faith. These hymns inspire surrender, trust, and the bold proclamation of the Gospel.

14. BLESSED ASSURANCE – Fanny J. Crosby / Phoebe P. Knapp
    Written by the blind but visionary Fanny Crosby, this song exudes confidence in salvation. It reflects Romans 8:16: “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit…”

15. JESUS PAID IT ALL – Elvina Hall / John T. Grape
    This classic hymn speaks of Christ’s complete atonement. It's a musical echo of Isaiah 1:18—“though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”

16. JESUS SAVES – Priscilla J. Owens / William J. Kirkpatrick
    With evangelistic urgency, this hymn captures the heartbeat of the Gospel message—salvation offered to all. Mark 16:15—*“Go ye into all the world…”—*resonates in every line.

17. THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE – Harry Dixon Loes (attributed)
    Originally a spiritual, this upbeat tune reminds believers to live out their faith boldly (Matthew 5:16). It’s a joyful anthem of unashamed testimony.

18. POWER IN THE BLOOD – Lewis E. Jones
    This rousing hymn declares the victory and cleansing that comes through Jesus' blood (Revelation 12:11). It calls believers to embrace freedom from sin’s grip.

19. I SURRENDER ALL – Judson W. Van DeVenter / Winfield S. Weeden
    Written by an evangelist who left a promising career to follow God’s call, this hymn expresses full surrender—mirroring Romans 12:1’s call to present our bodies as living sacrifices.

20. HOW GREAT THOU ART – Carl Boberg / Trans. Stuart K. Hine
    This majestic hymn stirs awe at God's creation and redemption. The crescendo of praise reflects Psalm 145:3: “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised…”

21. NOTHING BUT THE BLOOD – Robert Lowry
    A straightforward yet powerful declaration of salvation’s source: the blood of Christ. Hebrews 9:22 echoes: “Without shedding of blood is no remission.”

22. BECAUSE HE LIVES – Gloria & Bill Gaither
    Born during a time of personal uncertainty, this song offers enduring hope. Its chorus proclaims the victory of Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:57).

🎉 Celebrating the Joy of the Resurrection
He is risen! These triumphant hymns celebrate the victory of Jesus over death and the everlasting joy that follows.

23. RESURRECTION POWER – Chris Tomlin
    An energetic anthem proclaiming the living presence of Christ within every believer. Romans 8:11 affirms: “He that raised up Christ… shall also quicken your mortal bodies…”

24. EASTER HALLELUJAH – Lyrics adapted by Kelley Mooney
    A poignant retelling of the resurrection story set to Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah." It brings fresh emotional depth to the joy of Easter morning (Luke 24:6-7).

25. CHRIST AROSE – Robert Lowry
    With bold contrasts between verses and chorus, this hymn dramatizes Christ’s triumph over the grave. Inspired by Matthew 28:6: “He is not here: for He is risen…”

26. CROWN HIM WITH MANY CROWNS – Matthew Bridges & Godfrey Thring
    A royal hymn exalting the risen Christ as King. Each verse reveals a different facet of His glory—echoing Revelation 19:12.

27. OH HAPPY DAY – Philip Doddridge / Edward F. Rimbault
    This spirited declaration of salvation’s joy became a gospel staple. Its core celebrates the day of spiritual rebirth, as in Acts 2:41.

28. CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY – Charles Wesley
    A jubilant, centuries-old Easter hymn filled with “Alleluias,” reflecting 1 Corinthians 15:20—“But now is Christ risen from the dead…”

29. CHRIST IS RISEN! HALLELUJAH! – German origin / Trans. Catherine Winkworth
    This stirring translation captures both the solemnity and victory of Easter. It’s a joyful proclamation of Christ’s defeat of death and hell.

30. HE LIVES – Alfred H. Ackley
    Written in response to the question, “Why should I worship a dead Jew?”—Ackley replied with this timeless answer. It's rooted in personal faith and the living reality of the risen Christ (Revelation 1:18).

📖 Faith Comes by Hearing

As these hymns fill our churches and hearts this Easter, they do more than stir emotion — they preach the Gospel. Combined with Scripture and personal testimony, they proclaim a living hope. May we not only sing the truth of the cross and the empty grave but live it boldly every day.

He is risen indeed. Hallelujah!

🎵 Find the hymn on our YouTube channel: Hymnal Library