“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55

Imagine, if you will, the scene of Jesus willingly submitting to death on the cross. He bore the weight of our sins, taking the full wrath of the Father upon His bruised and battered shoulders, bridging the chasm between humanity and God. At that moment, darkness seemed to have triumphed, but three days later, a glorious morning emerged—the resurrection of our Messiah. His triumph over death proved His divine nature and promised us victory over sin and the grave.

For all who believe in Jesus' victory, death no longer has the final word, and not just in our physical resurrection. It also gives us power over the unseen forces of darkness surrounding us now and takes away the sting of death, which is sin. So that, even in our darkest moments of grief and trial, we can hold onto this hope—the assurance that death is not the end and our bondage to sin has been utterly broken. For now, death still happens, but its power over the believer has been crushed. 

Let us not forget the stark reality—death is our enemy. It entered the world through one man’s sin and was given power, pain, and destruction over all humanity. For all of history, it has stood opposed to God's plan of victory, and so, it still brings sadness and grief as it always has, but now, because of one man named Jesus, we have the promise and hope of life. His death and resurrection were part of a divine mission to restore us to God and an everlasting life free from pain and death. 

Jesus’ death on the cross rendered death powerless over those who believe. His resurrection marked the beginning of the end of death’s story. We no longer fear the unknown beyond the grave, for the one who has returned from it assures us of everlasting life. Lastly, His promised return will one day mark the end of death forever. One day soon, it will be utterly devoured and something of only a faint memory. 

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4

As we navigate the trials of life, let us cling to this unwavering hope–that with Jesus, resurrection is not just a possibility—it is a promise. In His victory over death, we find everlasting hope, knowing that no evil can withstand the power of our risen Savior and that through Him, we, too, will rise again and be transformed into new life. "Thanks be to God, who gives us victory through Christ Jesus, our Lord."