Easter Words - Death

Easter Words – “Death” “Death is swallowed up and utterly vanquished forever in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? Now sin is the sting of death, and sin exercises its power upon the soul through the abuse of the Law. But thanks be to God, Who makes us conquerors through our Lord Jesus Christ” (I Cor.15:54b-57(Amp.). Jesus’ death on the cross, with all of its ramifications, was the most significant death in all of history. To a Christian there is no “grim reaper” in death, just angels to usher us into the Father’s presence, and to forever be with Him (Luke 16:22). There have been more books written about Jesus’ death, more sermons preached, more songs sung and more enactments than all commemorations ever given. Jesus’ death, and all it meant for the eternal salvation of all mankind who would believe in His shed blood, became the crux of the Christian faith and he crossroads for the Jews (Rom.1:16). Jesus’ death became the pivotal point which turned the “Law” to “Grace,” from sacrifice of a lamb to the eternal sacrifice of “The Lamb” (John 1:29). Jesus’ death meant we could live forever. It meant we are free from the curse and demands of the “Law.” Jesus’ death meant because of His going back to the Father He sent His Holy Spirit to live in and with us. Jesus’ death meant we can now live in the power, gifts and joys of His spiritual kingdom. To a Christian there is hope after death; hope of all the joys of heaven – no tears, no sickness, no sorrows, no disappointments, nor sin. And, just think, we will be forever with the Lord and those who have gone before us. So Death, where is your victory; for because of the power of the cross your victory has been swallowed up, and your sting has been healed? So why should those of us who are in Christ fear you? We should just give all praise to Jesus Who took the “sting” out of death for us! Face To Face (Carrie E. Breck) What rejoicing in His presence, when are banished grief and pain, When the crooked ways are straightened and the dark things shall be plain. Face to face I shall behold Him, far beyond the starry sky; Face to face, in all His glory, I shall see Him by and by!