The Death of Death

The resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, proving that death itself will one day be defeated. This blog from Champions Church, from our non-denominational church in Houston, TX, we learn that since this truth transforms everything, we must live with faithfulness, perseverance, and holiness, knowing that in Christ, death does not have the final word.

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Paul dedicates an entire chapter of 1 Corinthians to the resurrection—both Christ’s and ours. His central argument? Without the resurrection, our faith is meaningless. If Christ did not rise, then Christianity is no better than any other belief system, and perhaps worse, because it would be built on a lie.

The Corinthian church accepted Christ’s bodily resurrection but struggled to believe in the bodily resurrection of believers. Influenced by Greek thought, they viewed the body as a prison for the soul, believing only in a spiritual resurrection. Paul challenges this, insisting that God’s plan includes the redemption of both the soul and the body.

The Resurrection: Cornerstone of Our Faith

Paul dismantles the Corinthian doubts using a logical argument (1 Corinthians 15:12-19). If there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised. If Christ has not been raised, then:

• Our preaching is useless.
  
  
• Our faith is futile.
  
  
• We are still in our sins.
  
  
• Those who have died in Christ are lost.
  
  
• We are to be pitied above all people.
  
  

But Paul does not leave us in despair—he declares the triumphant truth:

“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Corinthians 15:20)

The Resurrection Sets the End in Motion

Christ’s resurrection was the beginning of the end—an end that culminates in the complete victory over death. The order is clear:

1. Christ, the firstfruits of the resurrection.
   
   
2. His second coming, when the dead in Christ will rise and living believers will be caught up with Him (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
   
   
3. Christ’s 1,000-year reign (Revelation 20:1-6).
   
   
4. Satan’s final rebellion and defeat (Revelation 20:7-9).
   
   
5. The resurrection of unbelievers for final judgment (Revelation 20:11-13).
   
   
6. The last enemy to be destroyed is death itself (1 Corinthians 15:26).
   
   
7. The eternal state—a new heaven and a new earth where believers dwell with God forever (Revelation 21:1-4).
   
   

How Should We Live?

Since the resurrection is real, it should transform the way we live. Paul gives three key applications:

1. Live Consistently (1 Corinthians 15:29) – Our actions should align with our faith. If we truly believe in the resurrection, our lives should reflect that reality.
   
   
2. Live Persistently (1 Corinthians 15:30-32) – We endure hardships because we know this life is not the end. The resurrection gives purpose to our struggles and sacrifices.
   
   
3. Live Repentantly (1 Corinthians 15:33-34) – If our bodies will be redeemed, then how we live in them now matters. Paul calls us to turn from sin and pursue holiness.
   
   

Death’s Final Defeat

Death has reigned since Adam, but through Christ, death itself will die. The resurrection is not just a doctrine—it is the victory of God over our greatest enemy. Because Christ rose, we will rise. Because He lives, we have hope beyond this life. The resurrection is the death of death itself.

So, how does this truth shape your life today? Are you living in light of the resurrection? The reality of eternity should drive us to faithfulness, perseverance, and holiness. Let’s live as people who know the end of the story—because in Christ, death does not have the final word.

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