Hymn 198 - He's Risen, He's Risen, Christ Jesus the Lord

This weekend is Resurrection Sunday, and is the conclusion of "Holy Week." This is the final assurance that what Jesus did was accepted by God the Father and our salvation is sure.

The hymn, "He's Risen, He's Risen, Christ Jesus the Lord" was written by Lutheran pastor and professor, C.F.W. Walther, who was probably the most important figure in American Lutheranism in the 19th century. He was also an accomplished musician, and wrote many hymns. This hymn was originally 11 stanzas, but our English translation was reduced to 5 verses.  

In this hymn we confess the work of Jesus for us, who went to war with the forces of death, hell and satan, and through His death, was victorious. It points not only to Christ's resurrection, but also the importance of Christ's atonement for sinners ("His blood does atone, redeemed and forgiven we now are His own.")

Walther emphasizes the truth set forth by the Apostle Paul: "So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?” The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).

May your Savior's resurrection, which assures us of the death of death, give you joy, and motivate you to lift up your voices to sing His praise, this weekend and always!