ABOLISHED -- That mortality might be swallowed up by life.
This study explores the profound truth of God's victory over death and the promise of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ. We will delve into the nature of mortality, the divine solution provided, and the transformative power available to believers, culminating in the ultimate triumph over death.
1. The Dominion of Death and the Need for Deliverance
1.1 The Origin of Mortality
Verses: Genesis 2:17; Genesis 3:19; Romans 5:12
- Death entered the world through disobedience.
- Humanity's fallen state resulted in spiritual and physical death.
- All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory.
1.2 The Power of Sin
Verses: Romans 6:23; Romans 7:14-20; Hebrews 2:14-15
- Sin's ultimate wage is death.
- Humanity is enslaved to sin without divine intervention.
- Fear of death holds many in bondage.
1.3 The Inadequacy of Human Effort
Verses: Psalm 49:7-9; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9
- No human can redeem another or pay the price for sin.
- Righteousness cannot be achieved through works of the law.
- Salvation is a gift from God, not by human merit.
2. God's Manifestation and the Atoning Work
2.1 God Revealed in Flesh
Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1; John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16; Colossians 2:9
- The mighty God, the everlasting Father, came as a child.
- The Word, who was God, became flesh and dwelt among us.
- In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.
2.2 The Perfect Sacrifice
Verses: Hebrews 9:22; Hebrews 10:10; 1 Peter 3:18; 2 Corinthians 5:21
- Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission of sins.
- Jesus offered Himself once for all, a perfect and complete sacrifice.
- God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
2.3 Victory Over Death and the Grave
Verses: Acts 2:24; Romans 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:54-57; Revelation 1:18
- God raised Jesus from the dead, having loosed the pains of death.
- Death no longer has dominion over Him.
- Through Christ's resurrection, the sting of death is removed.
3. The New Life: Transformation and Empowerment
3.1 The Call to Repentance and New Birth
Verses: Acts 2:38; John 3:5; Romans 6:4; Titus 3:5
- Repentance is essential for the remission of sins.
- We must be born of water and the Spirit to enter God's kingdom.
- Through baptism, we are buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life.
3.2 Receiving the Spirit of Life
Verses: Acts 2:4; Romans 8:2; Romans 8:9-11; Galatians 3:27
- The Spirit of God, the Spirit of Christ, gives life to our mortal bodies.
- Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
- We are clothed with Christ when we are baptized into Him.
3.3 Living in the Power of Resurrection
Verses: Philippians 3:10; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Colossians 3:1-3
- We are called to know Him and the power of His resurrection.
- Our old self is crucified with Christ, and we live by faith in the Son of God.
- We are new creations in Christ, with our lives hidden with Him in God.
4. The Ultimate Triumph: Immortality Swallowed by Life
4.1 The Promise of Resurrection
Verses: John 5:28-29; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
- All who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth.
- Christ is the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.
- Believers will be raised and caught up to meet the Lord.
4.2 The Transformation to Immortality
Verses: 1 Corinthians 15:53-54; Philippians 3:20-21; 2 Corinthians 5:4
- Our perishable bodies will put on imperishability.
- Our mortal bodies will be swallowed up by life.
- Christ will transform our lowly body to be like His glorious body.
4.3 Eternal Life with God
Verses: Revelation 21:3-4; John 17:3; 1 John 5:11-12
- God will dwell with His people, and there will be no more death or sorrow.
- Eternal life is to know the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent.
- This life is in His Son, and whoever has the Son has life.