I Corinthians 15:29-58
So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” I Corinthians 15:54 (NKJV)
Death does not belong here. It is an intrusion into God's beautiful creation. It is the direct result of sin. The Scripture repeatedly ties the two together. "The wages of sin is death." (Rom. 6:23) "The soul who sins shall die." (Ez. 18:4)
Death is both a physical reality and it is a spiritual realm. Jesus, in His work of redemption, came to destroy the power of hell, sin, and death. As followers of Jesus, we are guaranteed the final outcome of this conflict between life and death.
Paul uses dramatic terminology. Life not only overcomes death, it "swallows it up". This speaks to more than the minimum triumph. It involves complete and overwhelming superiority.
God not only heals your body. He gives you a new and GLORIOUS BODY. God not only corrects your failings. He gives you COMPLETE AND OBVIOUS SUCCESS. He not only restores broken dreams. He shows things BEYOND YOUR DREAMS.
Death is not only defeated. It is swallowed up in victory. And that's guaranteed!
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