Hymn Story: I Am the Resurrection and the Life

“I Am the Resurrection and the Life” comes from John 11:25 “Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies.”

The hymn was written by Norman J. Clayton. He was born on January 22, 1903 in Brooklyn, New York.  By the age of twelve, he became church organist–a position he would retain for the remainder of his life.

Professionally, he worked in the building industry but also created his own publishing house, Gospel Songs, which was later absorbed into the Rodeheaver Company.

He also wrote hymns such as “Now I Belong to Jesus” and “Every Moment of Every Day.”  He died in 1992 at the age of 89.