Since He is Risen
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:56,57
In the history of warfare there are many accounts of victories won against overwhelming odds. The opposing army was greater in number, superior in training and equipment, yet the smaller force prevailed. Victories over mighty enemies — though difficult and costly — are sometimes still possible.
Here Paul tells of a victory that was in no way humanly possible. The enemy was death, and if there is one enemy that wins every time it is death. Sometimes it can be pushed back or slowed down, but ultimately it will prevail. Human strength must finally yield before its advance.
Paul states the reason for death’s stranglehold on human life. It is sin. The sin of Adam brought death into the world and spread its infection into the entire human race descended from him. Sin is the cause of death. And sin has strength because of God’s law. Sin is the violation of God’s holy will that does not change to accommodate human sin. Victory over death by human means was out of reach for all the descendants of Adam.
Yet here Paul celebrates victory over death. For us sinners that victory was impossible, yet wonderfully the victory over sin is ours because God has given it to us. It wasn’t impossible for Him. He has given us the victory through Jesus Christ. The Son of God came down from heaven, took on our human nature and became our brother. He took our place and fulfilled God’s holy law so that it can no longer condemn us. He took our sins on Himself and offered His perfect life as sacrifice to atone for them. The victory over death is ours.
Thanks be to God! Amen.