What Does ‘He Is Risen’ Really Mean? A Biblical Explanation for Easter

Every Easter, Christians around the world proclaim the joyful phrase: “He is risen!” It's more than a seasonal greeting—it’s a declaration of hope, a cornerstone of Christian faith, and a powerful reminder of God’s victory over death. But what does “He is risen” really mean? And why does it matter so deeply, not just at Easter, but every single day?

In this post, we’ll dive into the biblical meaning behind this phrase, explore its theological significance, and reflect on why the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event in human history. Whether you’re a lifelong believer or just exploring faith, understanding the depth of “He is risen” can transform the way you view God, life, and eternity.

The Origins of the Phrase “He Is Risen”

The words “He is risen” come directly from Scripture. After Jesus was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead on the third day, several women visited His tomb. They expected to find His body. Instead, they found an empty grave.

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” – Matthew 28:6 (NIV)

These words, spoken by the angel at the tomb, became the central proclamation of the Christian faith. In the early church, Christians would greet one another with:

“He is risen!” Response: “He is risen indeed!”

This wasn’t just tradition. It was truth. A bold, public declaration that Jesus Christ had conquered death.

What the Resurrection Proves About Jesus

The resurrection isn’t just a miraculous event—it is the event that validates everything Jesus claimed about Himself. Let’s explore what the resurrection proves:

✅ Jesus Is the Son of God – Romans 1:4 says Jesus “was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead.” His rising proves His divine identity.

✅ Jesus Has Power Over Death – In John 11:25, Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life.” His resurrection was the ultimate demonstration of that power.

✅ Jesus’s Sacrifice Was Accepted – 1 Corinthians 15:17 explains that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile. The resurrection proves that Jesus’s payment for sin was accepted by God.

✅ Jesus Keeps His Promises – He told His disciples multiple times that He would rise again (Mark 8:31, Matthew 16:21). And He did—just as He said.

The Meaning of “He Is Risen” in the Bible

The phrase “He is risen” is packed with theological and spiritual significance:

1. He Is Risen Means Death Is Defeated

Death was never part of God’s original design. It entered the world through sin (Genesis 3). But through Jesus’s resurrection, death lost its power.

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” – 1 Corinthians 15:55

Jesus’s resurrection is the firstfruits of those who will also rise (1 Corinthians 15:20). This means all who believe in Him will one day rise again with eternal life.

2. He Is Risen Means Our Sins Are Forgiven

Without the resurrection, the cross would be just another Roman execution. But Jesus rising from the dead proves that the sacrifice worked—God accepted it.

“He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” – Romans 4:25

Justification means we are made right with God. Because He is risen, we are forgiven.

3. He Is Risen Means New Life Is Possible

Resurrection isn’t just a future event—it begins now. When you believe in Jesus, you are spiritually resurrected.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation: the old has gone, the new has come!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

The power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us today, giving us new hearts, new desires, and new hope.

4. He Is Risen Means Jesus Reigns as King

The risen Christ didn’t just go back to heaven—He ascended and sat at the right hand of God, reigning over all creation.

“God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.” – Philippians 2:9

This means we don’t serve a dead prophet. We follow a living King.

Why “He Is Risen” Still Matters Today

You might wonder—how does a 2,000-year-old event impact me today? The answer is: in every possible way.

✅ It means your past doesn’t define you – Jesus’s resurrection gives you a fresh start.
✅ It means you don’t have to fear death – Eternal life is promised to those who believe.
✅ It means you are never alone – The risen Christ lives in every believer through the Holy Spirit.
✅ It means the worst thing is never the last thing – With Jesus, there is always hope.

The Resurrection Is the Foundation of Our Faith

Paul was very clear in 1 Corinthians 15:14:

“If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.”

The resurrection is not optional—it is essential. Without it, Christianity falls apart. But because of it, we have:

✅ A living hope (1 Peter 1:3)
✅ Victory over sin (Romans 6:9-10)
✅ Assurance of salvation (John 14:19)
✅ Joy that outlasts sorrow (Psalm 30:5)

How to Respond to the Truth That He Is Risen

Knowing that Jesus is risen should never leave us unchanged. The resurrection demands a response.

1. Believe the Gospel

Jesus died for your sins and rose again to give you life. Salvation comes through faith in Him.

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9

2. Live with Resurrection Power

You don’t have to live in defeat. The same Spirit who raised Jesus now lives in you (Romans 8:11). Walk in victory.

3. Share the Good News

If Jesus is alive, then the world needs to know. Don’t keep it to yourself—proclaim it with love and boldness.

4. Worship the Risen King

Let Easter—and every day—be a celebration of Jesus’s triumph. Worship Him not just for what He’s done, but for who He is.

Final Thoughts

“He is risen.” These three words changed the world. They broke the silence of the tomb. They shattered the power of sin. They opened the gates of heaven. And they speak directly to your soul today.

Jesus is alive. He is not a memory or a myth—He is a living Savior who knows you, loves you, and invites you into new life.

So this Easter, when you hear those words—“He is risen!”—remember what they truly mean:

You are forgiven.
You are loved.
You are made new.
And nothing—not even death—can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

He is risen indeed.