He is Risen

By John Holmes

The Empty Tomb (Source: Logos Media)

          The phrase "He is risen indeed!" used on Easter morning by Christians has a deep-rooted history in Christian tradition. It serves as a joyful affirmation of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead. This tradition is encapsulated in the liturgical practice known as the Paschal greeting, which varies slightly across different languages and cultures but carries the same message of celebration and faith.

Origins
          The origin of the phrase "He is risen indeed!" traces back to the early Christian church and is grounded in biblical accounts of the resurrection. The greeting is based on Luke 24:34 and similar passages in the other Gospels, where the resurrection of Jesus is proclaimed. Early Christians began to use this affirmation as a greeting to one another on Easter to celebrate the resurrection, which is central to the Christian faith.

Liturgical Use
          Translations throughout church history relying upon the Latin Vulgate (c. AD 400) to the ESV (2001) have translated this verse nearly identically: “The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!” (ESV). Exactly how the saying became a standard greeting in the church is not known, although there are various theories regarding how it came into common usage. We do know that, at first, the greeting was more common in Eastern and Byzantine liturgies than in the Western church. There is a tradition in the Eastern Orthodox Church that the saying was made popular by Mary Magdalene when she supposedly addressed Emperor Tiberius in Rome with the words “Christ is risen.”¹

          In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Paschal greeting is especially prominent. The tradition involves greeting one another with "Christ is risen!" to which the response is "He is risen indeed!" or in Greek, "Χριστός ἀνέστη! (Christos Anesti!)" and the response, "Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη! (Alithos Anesti!)." This exchange underscores the communal aspect of Easter celebrations and the shared joy in the belief that Jesus conquered death.

Spread and Variation
          As Christianity spread geographically and culturally, this greeting was adopted and adapted by various Christian traditions around the world. While the Eastern Orthodox, Byzantine, and some Eastern Catholic Churches have retained the use of this greeting in its original form, Western Christianity has also embraced it, particularly during Easter services.

Symbolic and Theological Significance
          The exchange of "He is risen indeed!" is more than a customary greeting; it is a declaration of faith and a reminder of the cornerstone of Christian belief—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It signifies Jesus' victory over death, affirming the hope of eternal life for believers. The greeting connects Christians across time and space, uniting them in a common faith and celebration.

Modern Observance
          Today, the tradition of saying, "He is risen indeed!" continues in many Christian denominations around the world during Easter celebrations. It is often accompanied by festive services, music, and the sharing of the Easter story. This greeting embodies the joy and hope of the Easter message, encouraging believers to reflect on the transformative power of Christ's resurrection in their lives and in the world. The phrase is now used as a common greeting phrase heard in churches on Easter morning across the West, including many here in America.

Conclusion
          In summary, "He is risen indeed!" is a historic and joyful affirmation shared by Christians on Easter to celebrate and proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a fundamental tenet of their faith that has been passed down through centuries.

          So when a Christian says to you, "He is risen" on Easter morning, the happy and correct response of the fellow Christian is: "He is risen, indeed!"

BIBLIOGRAPHY:
      [1] Got Questions Ministries. Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered. Vol. 2. Bellingham, WA: Faithlife, 2014–2021.