The question "why do we say he is risen" points to the central declaration of the Christian faith. This specific phrasing, rather than a simple past tense, anchors the entire narrative of salvation in the present reality of a living Savior. It is a statement that bridges history, theology, and personal experience, asserting that the events of two thousand years ago are not confined to the past but actively shape the present.
The Historical and Scriptural Foundation
The roots of this declaration are deeply embedded in the historical events recorded in the Gospels. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not presented as a metaphorical lesson but as a physical, observable reality. After his crucifixion and burial, his followers encountered an empty tomb and were met with the risen Lord himself. This encounter transformed a scattered group of disciples into bold witnesses who turned the world upside down. The phrase itself echoes the ancient proclamation found in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, where Paul outlines the core message he received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.
Linguistic Significance: Why "Is Risen"?
Shifting from "was risen" to the present tense "is risen" changes the entire theological weight of the statement. Saying "he was risen" frames the event as a completed historical fact, however significant. However, declaring "he is risen" makes a bold claim about the current state of reality. It asserts that the power of death, which held humanity in bondage, has been broken by the living Christ. This verb tense emphasizes his ongoing presence and activity in the world. He is not a figure confined to history or mythology; he is a present, active Lord who continues to intervene and bring new life today.
Theological Implications of the Resurrection
Theologically, the resurrection is the vindication of Jesus' claims and the cornerstone of Christian hope. It is the Father's ultimate "Amen" to the authority and sacrifice of the Son. If Christ has been raised from the dead, it means that his mission to atone for sin was successful. The debt has been paid, and the barrier between God and humanity has been torn down. Furthermore, the resurrection serves as a guarantee of future glory for believers. It is the firstfruits of a new creation, a promise that our mortal bodies will also be transformed and made imperishable, securing our eternal destiny with God.
Impact on the Early Church and Personal Faith
The transformation of the early church is the most powerful evidence for the reality of the resurrection. These same disciples who fled in fear during the arrest of Jesus suddenly became fearless preachers in the very city where the crucifixion occurred. They faced persecution and martyrdom without wavering, driven by the unshakable conviction that they had seen the risen Lord. This same life-changing power extends to personal faith. When an individual encounters the risen Christ, it initiates a profound inner transformation. The despair of sin is replaced by the hope of redemption, and a new identity is formed in Christ, moving from religious obligation to a dynamic relationship with the living God.
The Ongoing Reality of the Risen Lord
Ultimately, the question "why do we say he is risen" finds its answer in the lived experience of millions throughout history. The church continues to gather, not merely to remember a dead teacher, but to proclaim a living Savior. The sacraments, prayer, and acts of service are expressions of a faith rooted in a present reality. Believers pray to a risen Lord who hears them, they await his return with confident hope, and they are empowered by his Spirit to live out his teachings. The declaration is a daily reminder that death does not have the final word, and that new life is available to all who put their trust in him.
