FEB 13

1 Corinthians 15:57
Memorise Romans 6:23
“…for the wages of sin is death.”

As one who was sinlessly perfect, Christ fulfilled the law by His birth, ministry and work on the cross. He died for our sins, paying the penalty for our sin. It is through His life, death and resurrection that He gained victory over death for us who were condemned to death. Although Jesus had to die on the cross, yet we know that He rose again from the dead 3 days later. Through this, God signified that He accepted the sacrifice of Christ, and now He lives again as a testament that death has been vanquished, and all who believe in Christ can have this same resurrection as well! This is the victory that Jesus wrought for us – of eternal life, through Christ, and Christ alone. Nevertheless, our present corruptible bodies will all die, because they cannot as flesh and blood inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50). When we are raised from the dead, our corrupted bodies will be transformed into glorified ones and death will be swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54).

What should our response to such knowledge be? When we know that our Lord Jesus Christ alone has been the one to achieve this victory for us, how does it affect our present life?

Firstly, we are able to stare death in the face, and question “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” (1 Corinthians 15:55). We will no longer fear death, for we know that death is not the end, but the beginning of eternity with God. We know that Jesus Christ has already wrought the victory over death for us, and thus it is no longer a thing to be feared nor looked upon with dread.

Secondly, we must be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving for all that Christ has done for us. We cry together with Paul, “but thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” Our lives must therefore reflect this thankfulness, and we must endeavour to live our lives for the One who has saved us and given us this victory. When was the last time you thanked the Lord for the gift of salvation? We are forgetful creatures, and prone to ungratefulness. Are you also thankful for the salvation of loved ones and friends? Do you have a burden for those who have not claimed the promise of victory over death? Time is running out.

Thought: Should Christians be fearful about death?
Prayer: Thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.