1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (NKJV)
Have you ever watched someone’s poor decisions—even your own—wreak havoc? Have you ever known the heart-wrenching sting of death? Have you ever paused long enough to notice …
This world is beautiful, but also brutal.
It is full of life, but also loss.
The apostle Paul once wrote a letter to the believers in Corinth, Greece, reminding them that it’s because of sin (falling short of God’s standards) that death has ravished the world. But Paul didn’t stop at death and decay. He went on to say:
“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:57 NLT
To say we can win over sin and death—two of our greatest enemies? That’s a powerful statement. It almost sounds too good to be true.
The foundation of Christianity is not only that Jesus died for the sins of the world, but that He was raised to life for the sake of the world.
Choosing to rebel against our Creator, instead of ruling with Him as He intended, has devastating effects: separation from Him, added trouble on earth, and the loss of life—both physical and spiritual.
People in Corinth were preaching that there was no life after death—no resurrection from the dead. Yet Paul had the courage to refute their lies with truth.
In the same chapter, Paul points out that everything about the Christian Faith hinges on Jesus’ resurrection. If Christ had not been raised, Faith is useless and there is no hope. But because Jesus had been raised from the dead, and hundreds of people witnessed His post-resurrected self, everything was different.
Scripture tells us that Jesus is the first of many who will be raised to life again. Imagine the future reunion with other believers! Can you fathom swapping stories with the disciples and other heroes of our faith?
Jesus has already conquered death. And, at the appointed time, death will die forever, and every tear will be wiped away. For those of us who believe in Him, there is so much more to come.
Believers have victory over death: Jesus’ resurrection abolished death as a penal evil for his saints. Believers will receive glorified bodies like Christ’s and will live with him forever.
Believers have victory over sin: Jesus’ sacrifice put away sin. Believers can win over sin, worry, and fear through Faith in Jesus.
God has given believers victory over death and sin through Jesus Christ. Today, we can live from a place of victory because of Jesus! Amen
