1 Corinthians 15:53-58 - Victory through our Lord Jesus Christ

15:53-55

Yet again, Paul emphasises the radical nature of the change. We will become imperishable and immortal. Death and decay will be no more. These things that are such an integral part of life now will be gone forever. Paul then quotes from Isaiah 25:8. We should note that Paul says this will be true when the immortal has come. This side of eternity there is an enormous sense of loss when someone we love dies, this is normal. For now there is a mixture when a believer dies. We are full of joy because of their faith, and the assurance that death is not the end, and the glorious future that lies ahead. But there is still grief, and the closer someone has been to us the greater the pain of loss. That is natural and normal, for someone is ripped out of our life. We will also receive comfort in the midst of grief, but the grief is still there. However, we know that a day will come when every tear will be wiped away, and there will be no more death.

15:56

The sting is the thing that injects the poison if we are stung by a plant or animal. Likewise, sin injects death into us. It is because Adam and Eve sinned that death entered the world. Why does sin have power? Because of the Law. The Law declares what is sin and what the penalty is for sin. Sin has power because of the Law. But on the cross the penalty of sin was paid in full, so death no longer has a hold on our lives.

15:57

Man is in a terrible state because of sin, but through Christ, God has given us the victory over sin. Sin is a conquered enemy. This does not mean that we never sin, but sin is on the way out. Notice that it says “He gives us the victory”.  On the cross God gave to us.

15:58

So the consequence of this is that we should stand firm, letting nothing move us from the truth of the gospel. We are to devote ourselves wholeheartedly to the work of the Lord, because we know our labour is not in vain. The grace of God, and life after death most definitely do not mean that we sit around here doing nothing, just waiting. It does not mean that it does not matter what we do. Quite the opposite. Because of the resurrection our lives have purpose.