It would be preaching Christ in vain

1 It would be preaching Christ in vain,
Should not the dead be rais'd again;
In vain, our exercise of faith,
As Paul, the great Apostle saith.

2 In vain the Gospel we receive,
If after death we should not live;
With bodies rais'd and glorified:
Is perfect happiness enjoy'd.

3 If Jesus be the Son of God:
Then shall out bodies be renew'd;
If we do own him as our Lord!
Why should we not believe his word?

4 His promises to us are made:
I will be sure to raise the dead--
All faithful christians then shall be,
Prepar'd to live and dwell with me.

5 That Jesus from the grave hath rose;
In spite of all that did oppose;
Sufficiently that fact was prov'd,
Therefore our doubts are all remov'd.

6 We praise the Lord for that we have;
Such living hope beyond the grave;
True, here we bear the Saviour's cross,
But there he makes up all our loss.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #CXIX