Father Albertus Herwanta, O. Carm
On Easter, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is the center and foundation of Christian life. No resurrection, no Christian life. What does resurrection mean? Is it similar to "Back to Life" or "Revival"? Which one is more important for us? Do we need to understand the difference between the two?
The difference between a resurrection (what happened to Jesus) and a revival (what happened to Lazarus and the widow's son at Naim) is not merely a matter of vocabulary—it is the very heart of Christian hope.
Revival: Return to Mortal Life
When Jesus raised Lazarus (John 11) and the young man of Naim (Luke 7), He restored them to their former, earthly existence. They returned with the same frail, elderly bodies, still vulnerable to illness, exhaustion, and death. Lazarus would perish once more. These were indications of Jesus' power over death and marvels of divine compassion and might, but they were just short-term gains rather than lasting triumphs. Then, what is the resurrection?
Resurrection: Salvation to Immortal Life
The resurrection of Jesus was essentially different. He did not return to his previous life. He emerged with a glorified, immortal body that could never die again—a body that could pass through locked doors yet be touched, that could eat yet transcend natural limits. Christ's resurrection was a once-for-all historical event that conquered death itself, not just a single instance of it. As Paul writes, "Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him" (Romans 6:9).
Why the Resurrection Is More Important for Christians
- It validates Christ's identity—The resurrection proves Jesus is the Son of God (Romans 1:4). Revivals show a prophet's power; the resurrection shows the Lord of life.
- It secures our justification—Paul insists that if Christ has not been raised, our faith is futile, and we are still in our sins (1 Corinthians 15:17). The revivals of Lazarus and others did not atone for sin.
- It is the pattern for our future—Christians do not hope merely to be revived back to this aging world. We hope to share in Jesus' resurrection: a new, imperishable body in a new creation (1 Corinthians 15:42–44). Lazarus' raising foreshadows it, but Christ's resurrection guarantees it.
Spiritual Message
Revivals say, "Death is not final for this person—yet." The resurrection says, "Death itself is finished for all who are in Christ." On Easter, we celebrate not just a miracle but a metamorphosis. Because Jesus rose, death becomes a doorway, not a wall.
The Christian faith does not promise a second round of this tired life; it promises a new, eternal life in which "death shall be no more" (Revelation 21:4). That is why the resurrection is the cornerstone—without it, there is no Christianity, only a memory of marvels. With it, there is hope that transcends every grave.
Therefore, on Easter we celebrate resurrection and not just revival. When we die together with Jesus, we will live eternally together with Him. This is a real and strong hope that inspires and motivates our lives. (*)