The Gospels tell the story of the resurrection of Jesus—of the empty tomb and the appearances of Jesus to the women and the disciples. Matthew, Mark, Luke and John make it clear that Jesus appeared with a real body and talked with all sorts of people in different places and at different times.

The book of Revelation gives us a different view of the resurrection. In chapter 1 we see the ascended and resurrected Jesus—Christ in his heavenly form. And in chapters 19-21 we see the returning Christ, coming to put an end to evil and sin once and for all.

The end of the book of Revelation gives us a vision of the purpose of the resurrection: to heal the gap between what is and what should be. The tears of life are wiped away. Everyone who had their life cut off too early is brought back. The wounds of life are healed. The distance between God and people is bridged.

Christ’s final agenda is to restore the world to the state God intended in creation. All things broken and wounded will be healed. All things will be made new.

The resurrection of Jesus is the first step in God’s plan for restoring all things. The resurrection marks the beginning of the end for the reign of death and sin—and the beginning of new life for those who believe.