The phrases “He is risen” and “He has risen” are deeply connected to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of the Christian faith. Though both expressions refer to the same event, they each carry a slightly different meaning. Understanding the difference between these two phrases can help deepen your understanding of the spiritual significance of the resurrection. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind these phrases, their biblical roots, and the theological importance of each one.
The Meaning Behind “He Is Risen” and “He Has Risen”
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the central event in Christianity, symbolizing victory over death and offering the promise of eternal life. But why do we hear two different phrases—“He is risen” and “He has risen”—to describe this event? Let’s explore each one.
“He Is Risen”: A Focus on the Event’s Completion
The phrase “He is risen” is often used in church services, particularly on Easter Sunday. It emphasizes that the resurrection has already happened. In fact, it’s an announcement that Jesus is no longer dead, but alive. This phrase is in the passive voice, meaning it focuses on the action of Jesus being raised rather than on who did the raising. It highlights that the resurrection was God’s action and has already been completed.
The phrase comes from verses like Matthew 28:6, where an angel says to the women at the tomb, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.” This announcement is meant to convey the finality of Jesus’ resurrection and the certainty that He has conquered death. When we say “He is risen,” it’s a statement of joy and celebration, because Christ’s victory is a done deal.
“He Has Risen”: A Focus on the Ongoing Impact
On the other hand, “He has risen” uses the present perfect tense, which indicates an action that happened in the past but still has an impact on the present. In this case, the resurrection doesn’t just look back at what happened; it also points to what continues to happen today. This phrase stresses that Jesus’ resurrection is alive and active, bringing hope to believers even now.
The phrase “He has risen” reminds Christians that Jesus’ resurrection is not just a past event but also something that continues to change lives. It suggests that Jesus is still alive and still influencing the world through the Holy Spirit, empowering Christians today.
Grammar and Structure: Why the Difference?
At first glance, the two phrases might seem very similar, but there’s an important grammatical difference between them.
“He Is Risen”: Using the Passive Voice
The phrase “He is risen” is in the passive voice, meaning the subject (Jesus) is receiving the action of being raised. It emphasizes the fact of the resurrection, saying that it has happened and is now true. In a sense, it’s already completed, and there’s no need for more action—it simply is.
This way of phrasing highlights that Jesus was raised by God and that His resurrection is fully accomplished. It’s a statement of certainty, indicating that the victory over death is already secured.
“He Has Risen”: Using the Present Perfect Tense
On the other hand, “He has risen” uses the present perfect tense. This tense shows that the resurrection occurred in the past but still has ongoing significance. By using this tense, the phrase emphasizes that the resurrection is not just a historical event, but something that continues to affect us today.
The present perfect tense speaks to the living reality of the resurrection and underscores that Jesus is still alive and still working in the world. It’s an invitation to recognize that the power of the resurrection is available to us now, just as it was in the past.
Theological Meaning: Why These Phrases Matter
While both phrases celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, they carry different theological implications.
“He Is Risen”: Celebrating the Completed Victory
The phrase “He is risen” focuses on the completed work of Jesus. His resurrection is a finished act that signifies His victory over death. In Christian theology, this is essential because it confirms that Jesus’ mission on Earth was successful—He conquered death and sin, and the work of salvation is done.
When Christians declare “He is risen”, they are celebrating that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was complete and final. This phrase is a reminder that the promise of eternal life through Christ is already secured for those who believe.
“He Has Risen”: The Ongoing Power of the Resurrection
In contrast, “He has risen” emphasizes that the resurrection is not just about the past. It has an ongoing significance that continues to affect the lives of believers. The resurrection is a living reality that gives Christians hope and strength every day.
This phrase emphasizes that Christ’s power isn’t limited to the past—it’s still working today. The resurrection isn’t just an event to look back on; it’s an event that transforms lives now. It gives Christians the hope of new life, both spiritually and physically.
How These Phrases Are Used in Worship
The phrases “He is risen” and “He has risen” are commonly heard in Christian worship, especially during Easter celebrations. But how are they used in church, and what do they mean in these contexts?
“He Is Risen” in Liturgical Traditions
In many liturgical churches, such as the Roman Catholic Church or the Eastern Orthodox Church, the phrase “He is risen” is part of the Easter Vigil and other liturgical prayers. It’s often spoken by the priest or leader, followed by the congregation’s response: “He is risen indeed!”
This call-and-response emphasizes the certainty and joy of the resurrection. When Christians hear “He is risen,” they respond with “He is risen indeed!” to confirm their faith in Christ’s victory over death. This exchange celebrates the completed work of Christ and the joyful truth that He is alive.
“He Has Risen” in Contemporary Worship
In more contemporary worship settings, especially in Protestant churches, “He has risen” is often used in hymns, prayers, and Easter messages. It highlights the ongoing impact of the resurrection. This phrase is used to remind Christians that Jesus’ resurrection is not just historical but also a present reality that continues to shape their faith and lives.
By using “He has risen,” worship leaders emphasize the living power of the resurrection and invite the congregation to experience Christ’s life-giving presence today.
Which Phrase Should You Use?
When it comes to using these phrases, there’s no “right” or “wrong” answer. It often comes down to the context and the message you want to convey.
- If you want to emphasize the completed victory of Jesus over death, “He is risen” might be more appropriate.
- If you want to focus on the ongoing power and relevance of the resurrection in our lives today, “He has risen” might be the better choice.
Both phrases are important in understanding the full scope of the resurrection. “He is risen” highlights the finished work of Christ, while “He has risen” focuses on the living power that continues to affect believers today.
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Conclusion
While the phrases “He is risen” and “He has risen” are both used to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, they each bring out different aspects of this key event in Christian theology. “He is risen” focuses on the completed victory of Jesus, while “He has risen” highlights the ongoing power of the resurrection in the lives of believers.
Both phrases are central to Easter celebrations and Christian worship, reminding us that the resurrection is not just a past event, but a living reality that continues to shape the faith of Christians today. Whether you prefer one phrase over the other, both are expressions of the hope and joy that Jesus’ resurrection brings to our lives.
FAQs: “He Is Risen” vs. “He Has Risen”
1. What is the difference between “He is risen” and “He has risen”?
- “He is risen” is in the passive voice and emphasizes that the resurrection has already been completed, highlighting the finished work of Jesus’ victory over death.
- “He has risen” uses the present perfect tense to stress that the resurrection occurred in the past but continues to have ongoing significance and impact today.
2. Why do churches say “He is risen” and “He is risen indeed”?
The phrase “He is risen” is traditionally used during Easter celebrations as a declaration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The congregation often responds with “He is risen indeed!” to affirm their belief in the certainty and joy of Christ’s victory over death.
3. Is there a right or wrong phrase to use, “He is risen” or “He has risen”?
Neither phrase is inherently right or wrong. The choice between the two depends on the message you want to convey:
- “He is risen” emphasizes the completed victory of Christ.
- “He has risen” underscores the living power of the resurrection and its ongoing influence.
4. Where are the phrases “He is risen” and “He has risen” found in the Bible?
Both phrases are used in the New Testament to describe the resurrection of Jesus. For example:
- Matthew 28:6 says, “He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.”
- In the Luke 24:6, the angel declares, “He is not here; He has risen.”
5. Why is the use of the passive voice in “He is risen” important?
The passive voice emphasizes that God raised Jesus from the dead, and the focus is not on Jesus’ action but on what God accomplished through the resurrection. It highlights that the work of salvation is already finished.
