Redemption: Death Was Defeated by Christ

Death is an insurmountable problem. It separates us from loved ones. It separates us from life. It separates us from God. So we cry out along with Paul, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Rom. 7:24).

And we hear afresh the answer, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Rom. 7:25)

God’s answer to the problem of death was to take it on Himself. Christ Jesus, “though He was in the form of God . . . humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:5–8).

Scripture’s story holds its breath and finds its crescendo here, in the death of Christ. He is the ram caught in the thicket and tied to the altar instead of us. He is the ark in which we take refuge when the flood of judgment comes. He is the anointed King who defeats the giant that left us cowering. “He was delivered over to death for our sins” (Rom. 4:25a NIV).

But what happened next? Did Christ remain dead? No, He “was raised to life for our justification” (Rom. 4:25b NIV). Jesus Christ did not—indeed, could not—stay dead. On the third day, He rose in victory over the grave, proving that His spotless sacrifice was sufficient.

Know this: “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” (Rom. 8:11).

For those who find life in the gospel of Christ’s finished work on the cross, the death sentence is lifted. There is no condemnation left. The One who holds the keys of death said “It is finished” on the cross and now says, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!” (John 19:30; Revelation 1:18 NIV)