The Abolition of Death's Power and Its Ultimate Defeat

This study explores how the power of death, introduced by sin, was conquered by Jesus Christ, and how its final destruction is a future certainty for believers. We will examine the nature of death, Christ's victory, the believer's present triumph, and the ultimate defeat of death as the last enemy.

1. The Nature of Death and Sin's Dominion

1.1 Death as a Consequence of Sin

Verses: Romans 5:12; Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:19

Sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin.
The consequence of disobedience was death.
Humanity was condemned to return to dust.

1.2 The Law's Inability to Conquer Death

Verses: Romans 8:3; Galatians 3:21

The law was powerless to save humanity from sin and death.
It revealed sin but could not provide deliverance.
The law brought knowledge of sin, not freedom from its penalty.

1.3 Death's Power Over Humanity

Verses: Hebrews 2:14-15

Humanity was held in bondage by the fear of death.
Death exercised dominion over all people.
The devil held the power of death.

1.4 Spiritual and Physical Death

Verses: Ephesians 2:1; James 2:26

Sin resulted in spiritual separation from God.
Physical death is the separation of the spirit from the body.
Both forms of death are consequences of the fall.

2. Jesus Christ: The Conqueror of Death's Power

2.1 The Incarnation and Identification with Humanity

Verses: John 1:1,14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 2:14

God was manifested in the flesh, dwelling among us.
He took on human nature to experience death for humanity.
The one God, the Father, came in human form to redeem us.

2.2 His Sacrificial Death and Resurrection

Verses: Romans 6:9-10; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Colossians 2:13-15

Jesus died for our sins according to the scriptures.
He was buried and rose again on the third day.
His resurrection broke the power of death and the grave.

2.3 Abolishing the Power of Death

Verses: 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 2:14

Through His death, He destroyed him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.
He brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
His victory rendered death powerless over believers.

3. The Believer's Victory Over Death's Sting

3.1 Spiritual Death Conquered Through New Birth

Verses: John 3:5-7; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12-13

We are born of water and the Spirit, entering new life.
Through baptism into His death, we are raised to walk in newness of life.
We are made alive together with Him, having been forgiven all trespasses.

3.2 The Indwelling Spirit as a Guarantee of Resurrection

Verses: Romans 8:11; Ephesians 1:13-14

The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us.
The Spirit is the earnest of our inheritance, guaranteeing our future resurrection.
The Spirit will quicken our mortal bodies through His Spirit that dwells in us.

3.3 Death as a Transition, Not an End

Verses: Philippians 1:21-23; 2 Corinthians 5:8

For the believer, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Physical death is a doorway to eternal life with God.

4. The Ultimate Defeat of Death: The Last Enemy

4.1 The Resurrection of the Dead

Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
All who are in Christ will be made alive at His coming.
The dead in Christ will rise first, followed by the living saints.

4.2 Death Swallowed Up in Victory

Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Isaiah 25:8

Mortality will be swallowed up by immortality at the resurrection.
Death's sting is sin, and the strength of sin is the law, but Christ gives us victory.
God will swallow up death in victory forever.

4.3 The Final Judgment and New Creation

Verses: Revelation 20:14; Revelation 21:4

Death and Hades will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.
There will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain in the new heaven and new earth.
God Himself will wipe away every tear from their eyes.