The proclamation “He is risen” forms the bedrock of Christian faith, marking the pivotal event that validates Jesus’ claims and secures the hope of salvation. While not a single, direct quote found in one solitary verse, the phrase encapsulates the core message conveyed across multiple New Testament accounts of Jesus’ resurrection. Understanding the depth of “He is risen Bible verse” requires a cross-reference approach, examining the various passages that recount, confirm, and explain this miraculous event.

The Gospels’ “He Is Risen” Bible Verse Accounts

The Gospels provide the primary eyewitness testimonies and the initial pronouncements of the resurrection. These accounts serve as the earliest records of the declaration, “He is risen.”

  • Matthew 28:5-6: “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay.’” This is perhaps the most direct angelic declaration of the resurrection.
  • Mark 16:6: “And he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.’” Mark’s account reinforces the angelic message to the women at the tomb.
  • Luke 24:5-7: “And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, ‘Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how He told you, while He was still in Galilee…’” Luke emphasizes Jesus’ prior predictions of His resurrection.
  • John 20:1-9: While not explicitly stating “He is risen” through an angel, John’s narrative focuses on Mary Magdalene’s discovery of the empty tomb and Peter and John’s subsequent confirmation, leading them to believe “that He must rise from the dead” (John 20:9).

These parallel accounts, despite minor variations in detail, unanimously affirm the central truth: the tomb was empty, and Jesus was no longer dead.

The “He Is Risen” Bible Verse in Apostolic Teaching

Beyond the initial discovery, the apostles consistently preached the resurrection as the cornerstone of their message. Their sermons and letters provide theological depth to the simple declaration, “He is risen,” embedding the “He is risen Bible verse” truth deeply into Christian doctrine.

  • Acts 2:23-24: In his Pentecost sermon, Peter boldly proclaims, “this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. God raised Him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for Him to be held by it.” This asserts God’s active role in the resurrection.
  • Romans 10:9: Paul states, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” This verse inextricably links belief in the resurrection with salvation.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, 14, 20: Paul provides a concise summary of the gospel: “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures…” He later adds, “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain… But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” This passage underlines the absolute necessity of the resurrection for Christian faith.

These cross-references demonstrate that the phrase “He is risen” is not merely a historical report but a foundational theological truth, central to the apostolic proclamation and essential for Christian doctrine. It is the victory over death, promising new life to all who believe. Read more about the Gospel or explore Easter traditions.