"...thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."  1 Cor. 15:57

The clock is ticking down, and your favorite team has the ball. They can score the last points and pull out the victory. Tension builds. Will they make the last basket? Will they score the go ahead touchdown? As a fan, you sure hope they will win, but there is that fear that they will not pull it off. If that happens, you know the disappointment you will feel. Yet, we know it is moments like this that makes sports so great!!

Thankfully, we don't have to worry about this in life's most important battle...the battle for our souls. We know the stiff opposition we face - Satan and all his arsenal (cp. Eph. 6:11-12). But we also know God is on our side (cp. Neh. 4:20). We know what He has done and what He can do. Because of His plan for our redemption, and because of Christ's faithfulness in carrying out His Father's will, this is one contest where the outcome is not in doubt. I believe this to be the theme of Paul's words in 1 Cor. 15:50-58.

The apostle had to refute the false teaching at Corinth about there not being a resurrection. He had already proven the awful consequences of such a teaching (vv. 12-20). As he concludes the chapter, look at the glorious and triumphant way he brings his argument to a close. The Lord will return with all the power that will announce His coming (vv. 51-53). When all becomes immortal, "then will come about the saying that is written, 'Death is swallowed up in victory. "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?'" (vv. 54-55). What is he saying in all this?

Everyone has to die (Heb. 9:27). But because Christ defeated death in His resurrection (Mt. 16:18), nobody has to be afraid to die. To die outside of Christ clearly gives Satan the victory. Death's biting and fatal sting is sin, costing lost man an eternity in heaven (v. 56a). What gives sin's sting its poisonous venom is law, pointing out man's failures before God (v. 56b). Knowing this emphasizes our need for God's grace and mercy. And in that we fully understand Christ's sacrifice all the more.

So, we have guaranteed victory (v. 57). It is not in doubt. Game, set, match to God!! Therefore, we are urged to faithfulness, for such living is not in vain, but for victory (v. 58).