Many glorious hymns have been written to celebrate Christ’s resurrection, which is central to the Christian’s faith. However, there are relatively few hymns and gospel songs that are traditionally sung at Easter. One that isn’t well-known is “Hallelujah, He Is Risen!” Once introduced to most congregations, they find it easy to sing, and because of the repetitive phrase “He is risen,” it’s easy to learn and remember.
The words and music for this gospel hymn were written by P. P. Bliss (1838 – 1876), an American composer and conductor who was blessed with a rich baritone voice. He wrote many well-known gospel hymns, including “Almost Persuaded,” “Hallelujah, What a Saviour,” “Wonderful Words of Life,” and the music for “It Is Well with My Soul.” During his short career, he earned over $30,000 in royalties alone, an impressive sum in those days. Remembering that he’d grown up in poverty, he lived a modest lifestyle and gave much of his money to evangelism.
“Hallelujah, He Is Risen!” was written in the spring of 1876 and was first sung by Bliss on Resurrection Sunday during an afternoon meeting at the Court House Square in Augusta, Georgia. A crowd of almost 6,000 people had gathered to hear the preaching of Evangelist Major Daniel Whittle. In “Memoirs of Philip P. Bliss,” Whittle wrote, "None who were there will ever forget the radiant face or the triumphant, ringing tones with which he sang.” In December of that same year, Bliss and his wife tragically lost their lives in a train accident.
It may be thought that Easter is the only time when songs celebrating Christ’s resurrection can be sung, but songs that glorify His resurrection should be sung year-round, proclaiming the victory of the cross. This also emphasizes salvation’s central theme to non-believers who may be in the service. “Hallelujah, He Is Risen!” points not only to the resurrection but also to Christ’s ascension and return. It causes one to sing “Hallelujah!” Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (Romans 8:34).
Hallelujah, he is risen!
Jesus is gone up on high!
Burst the bars of death asunder,
Angels shout and men reply:
He is risen, he is risen,
Living now, no more to die.
Hallelujah, he is risen!
Our exalted Head to be;
Sends the witness of the Spirit
That our advocate is he:
He is risen, he is risen,
Justified in him are we.
Hallelujah, he is risen!
Death for aye hath lost his sting,
Christ, himself the resurrection,
From the grave his own will bring:
He is risen, he is risen,
Living Lord and coming King.
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