“The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our LORD Jesus Christ” (vv. 56-57)
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 text delivers the powerful conclusion to his argument in this chapter. Quoting the prophet Hosea, Paul pronounces death powerless (vv. 56-57).
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," Paul makes it clear that believers will be raised bodily when Christ returns (vv. 51-53). Those who have already died and those who do not “sleep” will be changed instantaneously at the sound of the trumpet. An instant heavenly body. And with that, the power of sin and the sting of death will end forever.
Therefore, Paul exhorts all believers (who remain until His second coming) to be, "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that our work is not in vain in the LORD." (v.58) And what is our work? Paul made it clear that the declaration of the gospel was his sole purpose in life, the work he had been called to (vv.1-8). While we are certainly not apostles, we are believers, followers of Christ. And as such called by Him to the work of the harvest, to labor for the gospel, and for the kingdom.
Therefore brothers and sisters, fulfill your calling at every turn. Speak boldly in His name, for the time is short and the laborers are few, but the field is ripe for a harvest.
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)
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 text delivers the powerful conclusion to his argument in this chapter. Quoting the prophet Hosea, Paul pronounces death powerless (vv. 56-57).
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," Paul makes it clear that believers will be raised bodily when Christ returns (vv. 51-53). Those who have already died and those who do not “sleep” will be changed instantaneously at the sound of the trumpet. An instant heavenly body. And with that, the power of sin and the sting of death will end forever.
Therefore, Paul exhorts all believers (who remain until His second coming) to be, "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the LORD, knowing that our work is not in vain in the LORD." (v.58) And what is our work? Paul made it clear that the declaration of the gospel was his sole purpose in life, the work he had been called to (vv.1-8). While we are certainly not apostles, we are believers, followers of Christ. And as such called by Him to the work of the harvest, to labor for the gospel, and for the kingdom.
Therefore brothers and sisters, fulfill your calling at every turn. Speak boldly in His name, for the time is short and the laborers are few, but the field is ripe for a harvest.
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)
