READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 15:20-28, 54-57; REVELATION 1:17-18

Today, we’re going to revisit yesterday’s poem. Not only does Jesus’s death and resurrection give us victory over sin, but it also gives us victory over death! In 1 Corinthians 15, we see how our personal hope of resurrection is tied directly to Christ’s own resurrection—and His coming reign over every evil force in this world. Paul explains that “sin is the sting that results in death” (1 Corinthians 15:56)—but we need not fear, for Jesus holds “the keys of death and the grave” (Revelation 1:18). Why is it that Jesus holds the keys? Because on the cross He purchased the right to buy our freedom back from sin and death.

This chapter shows us not only that we will live again, but that evil, wickedness, and suffering will also meet their end when every vile and unjust power is placed under Christ’s pure and just authority. Paul even says, “Death is swallowed up in victory” (1 Corinthians 15:54). The most dreadful thing that can happen to a human being—death—is transformed into a life-giving victory. Satan will not have the final word. In Christ we will share together in this triumphant story: What will appear to be an ending will at once transform into a glorious new beginning—complete with the healing of every sorrow. Amen and amen!

I fling at you my fury,

Oh, cursed one, destroyer.

Catch it! If you would—

Wretched, wounded, liar.

Wounded, ha! Yes, wounded!

Deadly, dark-hearted wounds

Canker deep within you—

Where your putrid pride swoons.

Still, you seek to snare me,

Stench of death, foul hypocrite!

Sneering, laughing, mocking—

Luring me toward your pit.

No! I’ll not fall your victim,

Fell Satan, sifter of men…

For on the cross Christ cast you out—

His blood cast out my sin. • G. Kam Congleton

• Consider taking some time to read all of 1 Corinthians 15. Through His resurrection, Jesus defeated death on our behalf so we can someday be raised from the dead like He was. He did this for us because He loves us! How can Jesus’s resurrection affect the way we view death?

Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 (NLT)