DOMINION OVER DEATH

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:12 -58; Romans 5:12 -14;

 

INTRODUCTION

Death is the cessation of life. Its origin on earth is traced to the fall of man (Genesis 3:19; Romans 5:12 – 14). Death was passed from Adam to all men whether small or great, rich or poor, educated or illiterate, tall or short. Founders of all the other religions all died and those still alive will also die. The greatest achievers in human history have not been able to stop death. Despite the numerous scientific inventions and accomplishments aimed at extending human life, all these efforts have not been able to eliminate death. No matter how long death is delayed, it surely happens to all men. Except believers who will be alive during the rapture of the church (1 Corinthians 15: 51 – 52). Hence, most humans are generally afraid of death. In this lesson, we shall examine dominion over death.

 

CHRIST’S DOMINION OVER DEATH

Believers in Christ Jesus can have dominion over death because our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ has conquered death. “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, amen; and have the keys of hell and of death” – (Revelation 1:18).  His body did not decay in the grave. This is a fulfillment of Psalm 16:10, “For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption”. Apostle Peter rightly made reference to this scripture during his sermon on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2: 27 – 33). He was raised from the dead and cannot die again (Romans 6: 9 -10).

 

BELIEVERS’ DOMINION OVER DEATH

When Christ died, there was an earthquake and the graves were opened. When Christ rose, the bodies of the saints who were in the grave arose and they were seen in the streets of Jerusalem (Matthew 27: 51 – 53). Christ is the first fruit of those that died (1 Corinthians 15:20).

 

When a Christian breathes his last on earth, the scripture describes him or her as being asleep (1 Thessalonians 4:13 -15). Although, the physical body of a Christian decays also at death, that decayed body will be transformed to a celestial body at the resurrection. The celestial body is non-perishable, immortal, heavenly and glorious. It is indeed a spiritual body. Unlike the natural body that is earthy, mortal, and perishable (1 Corinthians 15: 39 -53).  Job foresaw this many years ago when he proclaimed” For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God; Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me”- Job 19: 25 -27. Testimonies abound of Christians whose life have been extended by exercising their faith absolute faith in God in the midst of life-threatening situations. We need to recognize that the quickening power of Christ’s resurrection is available for us today (Romans 8:11).  Believers should face death with confidence that our Lord has conquered death and recognize that they shall not be hurt by the second death which is the punishment for sinners (Revelation 2:11; Revelation 20:14 -15).

 

CONCLUSION

Our faith in the resurrected Jesus Christ will help us to confront death with the assurance that we can be victorious over death just as our risen Lord. True dominion over death can be demonstrated by not tasting of the second death.

Dr. Solomon Nwaneri

Presented at the 2022 National Easter Retreat of the IPHC, Nigeria.