He is risen! The very basis of Christianity can be found in those three words, “He is risen.” We use that phrase a lot around Easter. On social media, we greet each other on Easter morning with, “He is risen!” and the response from others, “He is risen indeed!” But just exactly what does that phrase mean and why does it hold so much meaning for Christians?

I believe that all those years ago, when God was creating the earth and all the things that go along with it, including mankind, He knew that we would mess up. He had the knowledge all those years ago that a Savior would be needed. I don’t think for one second that Jesus was plan B. This God who has such power that He could create an entire universe and set things in motion, also had the knowledge that His favorite creation would not always do what He had in mind for us to do.

When our children are born, we look into the face of that little newborn and think about our hopes and dreams for that little life we have brought into the world. We don’t think about poor decisions that might come along later. But, in the back of our minds, we know that the sweet little life we have just seen for the first time will mess up. We know that the cute little boy or girl in our arms will grow up and break our hearts in one way or another. It is just a fact. I think it was the same with God. He knew those humans He was creating were going to turn away from Him from time to time. He knew we would need a way back to Him. That way was to be Jesus.

The phrase “He is risen” carries all our sins and all our shortcomings and tosses them away, never to be seen again. “He is risen” is our doorway to the Father. “He is risen” is the bridge between us and God. “He is risen” is the power over death and the joy of eternity in heaven. “He is risen” is the very love of God played out for us.

Our little human brains cannot fathom a love so great that One would give the life of His Son for sinful, rotten, dirty people. “He is risen” is a phrase that speaks of a love so great that our minds cannot begin to have any sense of what it really means. 

The fact that He is risen means that He truly conquered death and the grave. To the Christian, this means that after this life is over, we can rest securely in the knowledge that we will be with Him in Heaven for all of eternity. It means that He will forgive our sins and continue to hold us close. It means that we can live our lives each day in the presence of the Holy Spirit leading and guiding.

“He is risen” is all we need to know! Have you accepted His gift of salvation? Oh my goodness, He is risen for you!! Don’t let another day go by!

“He is risen!” And that made the difference!

By: Gina Caswell Kelly