The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:56-57
Do you see the contrast between the experience of a believer and the experience of those who do not believe? First, the experience of a believer: “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 15:57). Then, the experience of millions who live and die without Christ: “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law” (15:56).
I have spoken with people who don’t believe and who don’t seem to be worried about death at all. “You live, you die, you enjoy life when you can, and when you’re gone, you’re gone.” They don’t worry about death because they don’t consider its sting. The sting of death is dying in your sins. Why is this a problem? Because of the law. The law is the demand you have not met. Sin is the stain you cannot remove. Death is the outcome you cannot avoid.
Our Lord spoke about this. To those who would not believe, He said, “Unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins” (John 8:24). Nothing could be more tragic than to die in your sins. This would mean that you carry your sins into your death with you and then stand in your sins before Almighty God. This is the position of millions in our world today.
But not for you! If you are a believer, you can say, “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 15:57).
Take a moment to thank God for victory over your sins. Pray for someone you know who needs to find this victory for themselves.
