He's Risen, He's Risen

On Easter Sunday, April 8, 1860, C.F.W. Walther (the first president of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod) composed "He's Risen, He's Risen" (LSB 480).

This hymn emphasizes the conflict between the hellish host and the incarnate Word. The text speaks especially of Christ's descent into hell and the comfort this brings to believers: "He's opened death's prison"; "deal, hell, and Satan He vanquished"; "the conquering Lord lifts His banner on high." In these words, Walther is proclaiming the banner-bearing Lord of Victory!

Alleluia! Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia!

1 He’s risen, He’s risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord;
He opened death’s prison, the_incarnate, true Word.
Break forth, hosts of heaven, in jubilant song
And earth, sea, and mountain their praises prolong.

2 The foe was triumphant when on Calvary
The Lord of creation was nailed to the tree.
In Satan’s domain did the hosts shout and jeer,
For Jesus was slain, whom the evil ones fear.

3 But short was their triumph; the Savior arose,
And death, hell, and Satan He vanquished, His foes.
The conquering Lord lifts His banner on high;
He lives, yes, He lives, and will nevermore die.

4 O, where is your sting, death? We fear you no more;
Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden’s door.
For all our transgressions His blood does atone;
Redeemed and forgiven, we now are His own.

5 Then sing your hosannas and raise your glad voice;
Proclaim the blest tidings that all may rejoice.
Laud, honor, and praise to the Lamb that was slain:
With Father and Spirit He ever shall reign.

Text: © 1941 Concordia Publishing House. Used by permission: CPH Limited Promotional License no. 119000000