Israel Houghton - Risen Lyrics
Lyrics
Risen, He's risen, forever glorified
Risen, He's risen, King Jesus, King Jesus is alive
Oh, oh, hallelujah
Oh, oh, hallelujah
Oh, oh, hallelujah
Oh, oh, hallelujah
Oh, oh, hallelujah
Oh, oh, hallelujah
Grave where are you now? You've been overpowered!
Death where is your sting? Conquered by the King!
Resurrected one, shining like the sun
Breaking through the fear, victory is here, victory is here now
Oh, oh, hallelujah
Oh, oh, hallelujah
Jesus be lifted higher, we serve a risen saviour
Risen, He's risen, forever glorified
Risen, He's risen, King Jesus, King Jesus is alive
Resurrected one, shining like the sun
Breaking through the fear, victory is here, victory is here
Oh, oh, hallelujah
Oh, oh, hallelujah
Jesus be lifted higher, we serve a risen saviour
Risen, He's risen, forever glorified
Risen, He's risen, King Jesus, King Jesus is
Risen, He's risen, forever glorified
Risen, He's risen, King Jesus, King Jesus is alive
The same power, the same power that crushed the enemy
The same power, the same power, the same power lives in me
The same power, the same power that crushed the enemy
The same power, the same power, the same power lives in me
The same power, the same power that crushed the enemy
The same power, the same power, the same power lives in me
Risen, He's risen, forever glorified
Risen, He's risen, King Jesus, King Jesus is
Risen, He's risen, forever glorified
Risen, He's risen, King Jesus, King Jesus is alive
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah
Jesus, King Jesus is Alive
Hallelujah
Video
Risen
Meaning & Inspiration
Israel Houghton's impactful song, "Risen," released on July 25, 2015, stands as a powerful declaration of Christ's triumph over death. At its heart, the song celebrates the foundational truth of Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus, emphasizing its eternal implications for all who believe. It's a vibrant anthem born from the core conviction that the grave could not hold the Son of God, a truth that has shaped millennia of worship and belief. The meaning is clear and unwavering: Jesus Christ is alive, He is sovereign, and His victory is absolute, offering hope and power to every follower.
The song immediately establishes its central theme with the resounding affirmation, "Risen, He's risen, forever glorified / Risen, He's risen, King Jesus, King Jesus is alive." This serves not merely as a statement but as a joyful proclamation, echoing the testimonies found in Scripture, from the empty tomb accounts in Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20, to the apostolic preaching throughout the book of Acts. The repeated "Oh, oh, hallelujah" acts as a natural overflow of praise, a universal expression of worship meaning "Praise the Lord," acknowledging the wonder and glory of this divine event. It invites everyone to join in this joyful acclamation, solidifying the song's role as a corporate worship piece.
Moving into a more declarative stance, the lyrics directly challenge the traditional foes of humanity: "Grave where are you now? You've been overpowered! / Death where is your sting? Conquered by the King!" These lines brilliantly mirror the triumphant words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, which declares, "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" This direct scriptural echo powerfully underscores the completeness of Christ's victory. The imagery of the "Resurrected one, shining like the sun / Breaking through the fear, victory is here," paints a vivid picture of divine glory and the transformative power of the resurrection, reminiscent of Jesus' transfiguration and John's vision in Revelation 1:16 where His face was "like the sun shining in full strength." It’s a message that penetrates anxiety, offering tangible assurance that the ultimate battle has been won, establishing a present reality of triumph for believers.
The song further elevates Christ, urging "Jesus be lifted higher, we serve a risen saviour." This directive to exalt Jesus is a call to align our lives and worship with the profound reality of His Lordship, founded on His conquering death. However, perhaps the most profoundly empowering section of the song comes with the declaration: "The same power, the same power that crushed the enemy / The same power, the same power, the same power lives in me." This is a direct and bold theological statement, rooted deeply in passages like Romans 8:11, which states, "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you." It also resonates with Ephesians 1:19-20, highlighting "the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead." This segment moves the song from a historical recounting to a personal experience, affirming that the very power which overcame sin and death is now at work within the believer, granting strength, authority, and the ability to live a resurrected life. This profound truth transforms the song from a mere celebration into an anthem of personal empowerment, reminding us that we are not left to face life's challenges alone but are indwelt by the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave. The song culminates in a joyful crescendo of "Hallelujah," solidifying its message of unending praise for the living King, whose resurrection ensures eternal glory and ongoing victory for His people.