We continue our study of three things that Jesus took away...

Jesus Took Away Death

Finally we look at the third element, death.

Death Through Sin

Paul compares Adam with Christ as opposites. When Adam allowed sin to enter the world, he caused death to enter the world through sin. On the other hand, Christ brought grace into the world and life through grace (Rom 5:12-15,21)

Spiritual Death

The death that comes through sin is eternal and spiritual death. Paul told the Ephesians, "You were dead in trespasses and sins" (Eph 2:1,4-5), Obviously they were not physically dead.

Since "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God" (1Co 15:50) physical death is not a great problem, and it is taken care of when we address the real issue, eternal life.

Death Abolished

Jesus"abolished death... brought immortality to life" (2Tm 1:10).

In his own case, Jesus arose from the dead and ascended into heaven where he "ever lives" (Heb 7:25). Thus he demonstrates his power to conquer death for us. He became "the firstfruits of those who slept" (1Co 15:20).

So Paul concludes, "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law" (1Co 15:56). Notice again how Paul links the three things, law, sin, and death. The next verse says, "But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ" (1Co 15:57).

Christ sets us free from the law-sin-death tyranny.