Christ Our Hope in Life and Death
The sting of death is sin, and the power 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 (ESV)
We often dread the fact that life is full of uncertainties and wish that we could have more control over it. Unfortunately, no one knows what a day will bring and the only certainty of life is that it will eventually end in death. But even when we know that death is coming for all of us, we are often caught off guard and unprepared when it happens.
To many of us, death is an uncomfortable subject and we avoid talking about it as if it’s something taboo. Even the mere thought of it can stir up a lot of emotions, often leaving us feeling anxious and paralysed. For some, the fear of dying keeps them from truly living. It’s no wonder, then, that our society tries so hard to suppress this inevitable reality and persuade us to live in denial.
However, as Christians we need to think and talk about death because death is at the heart of Easter. Easter is a reminder that death has been conquered through the death of Jesus Christ and it is not the end, but a new beginning. And because Jesus has been resurrected, now we can be confident that we have hope beyond this life and one day we too will be raised from death to eternal life. Because He lives, we will also live (John 13:19).
Although we can’t escape from our physical death and the grief from having to part with our loved ones on this side of eternity, we can find hope and strength in knowing that Jesus has gone before us. And while tomorrow is never guaranteed, we can find courage in believing that Jesus has promised eternity for all who put their faith in Him. So whenever we are tempted to succumb to fear and despair, let us hold Jesus’ promise close to our heart: “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John 11:25-26).
Christians, the day will come when death will be gone forever (Revelations 21:4). The day will come when Jesus returns and we will be raised to live forever with Him. On that day, we will celebrate the ultimate Easter and sing:
Death is swallowed up in victory.
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:54-57)