The Ultimate Victory!

“Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. But when this perishable will have put on the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.

O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?’

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law; but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

It’s a cold winter day. The canvas awning under which you sit flaps roughly. The people behind you cry silently. Those gathered around the sides are red-eyed and somber. In front of you a preacher stands next to the casket of your loved one - the one with whom you ate, laughed, walked, and communed for all these years. A few long, minutes pass - it is over. Friends hug you; the preacher consoles you; and you return to your car for the lonely trip home.

In this setting of grim, undeniable reality lies the profound and majestic hope, comfort, and assurance of the Christian faith - forever set in the scriptural jewel of John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies.” Death is not the final act. It isn’t the ultimate farewell scene.

Because Jesus confronted death and emerged the Victor, we too, who believe in Him, will live - even though we die. Because of Christ’s resurrection, our forever is guaranteed. Our faith is valid; our hope is sure; our expectations are fulfilled. Christ, the Death-Slayer, has won the ultimate battle and invites all who believe in Him to experience the delightful fruit of His victory - eternal life.

“...but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57