Death is Defeated

   "For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh," (Romans 8:3)

   Jesus came down to this earth as human. In fact, He took on the role of a servant so that our bondages might be removed from us. He set aside His divinity, in order for us to have fellowship with our Creator and Heavenly Father.

"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14)

   He gave up the seat at the Right Hand of God, all for the redemption of the people who rejected Him. Jesus died - willingly - for those who hated Him, spat on Him, and accused Him. Jesus died so that we might be saved from death.

   "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven." (Hebrews 1:3)

   The Word became flesh just like we are flesh, but with one exception: Jesus never once sinned. Yet, Jesus bore the crushing and agonising punishment that the law required of sin. He did this for each and every one of us. He endured the worst, all for the purification of our sins.

   Of course we didn't deserve this marvelous act of love. Don't think for a moment we could've earned this gift. That is why we call it the gift of grace! Grace! Grace of God! This is our redemption song! The grace of God came to us in all of our filthy human lusts and fleshly impulses, and He chose to forgive us. The Lord Jesus Christ said on our behalf, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)

   Yes, we were so lost in our transgressions. We struggle still, and our only hope is found in that grace of God. The grace that covers us in righteousness, fills us with thanksgiving, and casts away the burdens of our sinful nature. Yes, the victory at the Cross is still alive to this day, and the potency never fades or decreases. Our Lord is almighty!

   Jesus didn't dismiss the law. Jesus fulfilled the law. He fulfilled it by condemning sin in the flesh. Just as it is written in Romans chapter eight. In other words, Jesus - fully man and fully Divine Lord - took the load of our unrighteousness, though not a single deed of lawlessness did He commit, and He endured the shameful, painful separation of death. 

   In the Greek, the definition for the word "death" or "θάνατος" literally means death. However, this same word is used in the New Testament to depict spiritual death - that is the eternal separation from God. The eternity destined for those who deliberately choose to reject Salvation - that is what "θάνατος" is.

   Jesus removed the horror associated with death. Death is not something we need to fear, because the moment our eyes close here on earth, they open to see the divine radiance of the Lord of all. In another sense, we never will actually "die", because our souls will forever be alive and thriving in Christ Jesus.

   Hallelujah! Death is defeated, because the Spotless Lamb of God condemned sin, fulfilled the law, and conquered the grave! Now that is truly a reason to have hope and joy anchored forever in our souls!

   -The Introverted Evangelist