When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” — 1 Corinthians 15:54

Death is swallowed up in victory—those words aren't wishful thinking but the shout of the risen church, because thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. He destroyed the one who had the power of death and delivered those who all their lives were held in slavery; Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more, and death no longer has dominion over him. Count yourselves dead to sin and alive to God, for in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He. — Deuteronomy 32:4

A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He—he cannot lie, cannot sin, cannot be unjust, and that's good news. We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, and the soul that sins shall die, but here's the wonder: God is both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Justice and mercy kissed at the cross; the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life.

on the day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel. — Romans 2:16

God will judge men's secrets through Christ Jesus—not just your public actions but the hidden things of the heart, the motives and secret thoughts and things done when no one is watching. Christ has been given all judgment, but for those in Christ this judgment holds no terror because your sins were judged at the cross. Yet it still matters how you live—God sees, God knows, and he will reward what is done for his glory.

Allow perseverance to finish its work, so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. — James 1:4

It's good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord, and you need endurance so that after doing God's will you may receive what is promised. The Lord himself will establish you and guard you, so don't run from the trial—let it do its work.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. — 2 Corinthians 8:9

You know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ—that he, being rich, became poor for you, and grace isn't an abstract doctrine but a person you can know. The word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth, and his lips are full of grace. Once you've tasted that the Lord is good, you can't un-taste it; his grace is sufficient for every weakness, enough for every calling, and enough for every gift you're given to steward.

But as for me, it is good to draw near to God. I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, that I may proclaim all Your works. — Psalm 73:28

It is good to draw near to God—asaph had been envying the wicked until he went into the sanctuary, and then he understood the end, because when you draw near to God everything else comes into focus. One day in his courts is better than a thousand elsewhere; blessed is the one he chooses and brings near, and the Lord is good to those who wait for him. Here's the beautiful truth: you can draw near with confidence because Christ has opened a new and living way through his flesh.

The one who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son. — Revelation 21:7

If in this life only we had hope, we'd be pitiable, but all things are yours—the world is a stage for God's glory, and you're not just watching, you're inheriting. What no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined—God has prepared for those who love him; run the race with endurance and don't lose what you've worked for.

Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but He has extended to us grace in the sight of the kings of Persia, giving us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and giving us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem. — Ezra 9:9

Our God has not forsaken us—it can feel that way when trials come, but God disciplines those he loves and tests those he's chosen, and he will not forsake his people for his great name's sake. Can a mother forget her nursing child? Even if she could, i will not forget you. Happy is he whose help is the God of Jacob; the Lord will bring justice for his elect who cry out to him day and night, and he will do it quickly.

Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” — Matthew 26:39

My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me is the deepest sorrow and perfect submission united in one prayer, because Jesus didn't want the cup of divine wrath but he wanted the Father's will more. He learned obedience through what he suffered and became obedient to the point of death, though he could have called twelve legions of angels. Because he drank that cup, the cup of God's wrath is empty for everyone who believes.

May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the LORD. — Psalm 104:34

His words are gracious—no man ever spoke like this man—and the more you fix your thoughts on him, the sweeter he becomes. His favor is better than life; Lord, lift up the light of your countenance upon us, for you've put more joy in my heart than when their grain and wine abound.