“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
Paul cites Isaiah’s prophecy that God swallows up death, which would destroy our bodies. Paul adds questions from Hosea, who wrote a brutal appeal for death and the grave for judgment on the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Paul transforms this appeal into a mockery of hapless death and the grave for Christ has overcome both.
“In your victory” is meant to convey this perspective. In Canaanite mythology, the gods destroyed death, but the enemy returned with the changing of the seasons. Here, the Lord demonstrates His kingly authority by conquering death forever. But since original sin was not created, received, redeemed, or sanctified by God, He will not raise it, adorn it, or save it at His Second coming. In the resurrection, original sin will be entirely destroyed.
“Sting” is a piercing, mortal wound, and sin is the point of the spear that kills us.
Satan’s apparent victories in the Garden of Eden and at the Cross were reversed by Jesus’ death and resurrection. From the vantage point of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, death should have no power over Christians, because Jesus has already conquered it. We participate in His victory. Praise the Lord always.
God’s blessings on your day…