Living By Faith Blog

Facing Death

Recently I received word that two people who deeply impacted me over the years have died.

This brought me face to face with the reality of death, and has made Jesus’ victory over death even more sweet to my soul.

Abolished Death

Take 2 Timothy 1:10, for example —

… our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Notice that immortality was brought to light through the gospel, which means it was not clearly revealed in the Old Testament.

There are a few references to life after death in the Old Testament, like Daniel 12:2 — but not many.

And yet God did clearly reveal immortality in Jesus’ resurrection, because he wants everyone to understand that the curse of death can only be conquered through Christ.

So now we can look at the cross, and the empty tomb, and know that Jesus has abolished death for all who trust him.

Destroy the One Who Has the Power of Death

Here is how the author of Hebrews puts it in Hebrews 2:14-15 —

Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.

Because of our sin we justly faced God’s wrath and were given over to the devil, who has the power of death.

But by dying on the cross, and paying for our sin, Jesus destroyed the devil’s power.  As a result, all who trust Christ are delivered from the power of death.

No Fear of Death

So what this means is those who trust Christ can be free from fearing death, because we know we will be raised from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:22) — and that God will give us the grace to die in whatever way he has chosen for us (2 Corinthians 9:8).

To strengthen you, and help you celebrate this glorious truth, here is a worship song which powerfully proclaims Christ victory over death.

I especially love these lines —

Oh trampled death, where is your sting,

The angels roar for Christ the King

Enjoy.

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And here are some related posts you might find helpful –

• Evidence for Jesus’ Resurrection
• How Jesus Conquers Fear of Dying
• A 4-min Worship Song to Strengthen Your Faith (“God Undefeatable“)
• Fight Fear with God’s Promises (“Whom Shall I Fear” Video)