“O death,
where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” (v.55)
Throughout
chapter 15, Paul discusses the reality of the resurrection of Christ and,
through Him, the assurance of the resurrection of all who believe in His name.
Today’s reading delivers the powerful conclusion to his argument in this
chapter. Quoting the prophet Hosea, Paul pronounces death powerless (v. 55).
In
the book of Ecclesiastes, death has been shown as the great equalizer that
conquers all men, rendering their labor on earth meaningless. But Paul claims
triumphantly in verse 57 that, “through Jesus Christ, God gives us victory over
death.” This assurance of life after death allows every Christian to live free
of the dread of death.
Although
the events surrounding the Second Coming are partly a “mystery” (v. 51), Paul
makes it clear that believers will be raised bodily when Christ returns. Those
who have already died and those who do not “sleep” will be changed
instantaneously at the sound of the trumpet. The power of sin and the sting of
death will be ended forever. This is the eternal victory won by Christ.
The
Truth
“But if the
Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised
Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through
His Spirit who dwells in you.” (Romans 8:11)
