1 Corinthians 15:57 “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Have you ever noticed that without light there would be no shadows? The shadow is completely dependent on the source of light for its existence. Such is the close connection between sin and death, that one cannot exist apart from the other. Where sin is empowered by the law as it relates to our human flesh, death rules and reigns, but once our weak and corruptible flesh is transformed into immortality, then we will no longer be subject to the temptation of sin, neither will we be subject to death.
While we may think of this victory over death only in terms of the future return of Christ, John MacArthur reminds us that death’s sting has already been removed for Christians: “Only where there is sin can death deal a fatal blow. Where sin has been removed death can only interrupt the earthly life and usher in the heavenly.”
This victory has already been achieved by the powerful arm of our God through the work of his Son, Jesus Christ. In his resurrection Jesus proved that death cannot hold those whose flesh is not subject to sin. He satisfied the righteous demand of the law by his death on the cross, so that sin has lost its strength and thus death has become impotent.
Let us give thanks and praise the Lord for exchanging his heavenly home for an earthly one, his immortality for mortal flesh, his glory for dishonor, and his power for weakness, so he could offer us the opposite exchange.
Scriptures to read: Galatians 4:3-7; Psalm 98:1-9