Digging Deeper: Death, Where is Thy Sting?
. . . Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
1 Corinthians 15:54b-55 (KJV)
. . . to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you
1 Peter 1:3b-4 (ESV)
DEATH, WHERE IS THY STING?
Perhaps the most common fear among humanity is the fear of death. This fear stems not only from the finality of death, but from the uncertainty of what lies beyond the grave. We as Christians should not fear death, as we believe the Bible clearly states that death is only final for our earthly bodies, and there is a destination after death for all people. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians (passage above), death was defeated once and for all on the cross.
Peter continues to encourage his audience by reminding them of the promises of Jesus Christ. By the grace of God, through faith in His Son, we can be born again, to a living hope (v. 3b). That hope is based on the work of Jesus (his death and resurrection, v. 3b). It is not a hope such as the hope for a job, a relationship, or some other worldly accomplishment. This is hope that should encourage us in our valleys. We become heirs to eternal life (v. 4a). This inheritance cannot pass away, cannot be spoiled, and never fades (v. 4b). Barclay astutely reminds us, “On our journey through this world to eternity we are protected by the power of God through faith . . . It means that our life is garrisoned by God and that he stands sentinel over us all our days. The man who has faith never doubts, even when he cannot see him, that God is standing within the shadows keeping watch upon his own. It is not that God saves us from the troubles and the sorrows and the problems of life; but he enables us to conquer them and march on.”
I lost my oldest brother in the spring of 2023. He was a strong Christian husband, father, and man. He died of Alzheimer’s, and that was my first experience with that vicious disease. I saw him in his last days, and although he did not recognize me, I believe I saw some glint of recognition reflected from his soul in his eyes. I also believe that despite his physical and mental infirmities, his spirit inside was at peace, and in great joy. His journey was almost at an end, and he fought the good fight. All who loved him were discouraged, but those of us who believe (including his wife) knew that God promises to, “. . . wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Rev 21:4, ESV). We can all be encouraged by that promise!
Diggin Deeper (er):
Heb 2:14-15; Rev 2:10
Phil Meade is a father of three, and grandfather of five. He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Liberty University, and lives in Acworth. He has led various small groups throughout his more than 20 years attending NorthStar Church. He recently retired after 33 years as a pilot for Delta Airlines.