Death, though conquered and disarmed of its strength and sting by our victorious Lord, so that it cannot destroy or even wound or hurt the soul of any one of dear members, is yet an enemy, a formidable, disagreeable enemy to nature. When left to our natural conceptions, death appears to us with the grim visage of "the king of terrors." We cannot get rid of our fears nor are we able to make him put on a more amiable aspect. But when, in the simplicity of little children, we go to our heavenly Father, and tell him how we are affrighted and terrified at the thought and approach of this dreadful enemy, he drives away our fears and terrors, and relieves our minds.
But how does our affectionate Father effect this telling us that we are perfect and sinless, and therefore have overcome death, shall never die, have nothing to fear, as death cannot hurt us? No. Though we are sinners in ourselves, and as such must die; though we are without strength to grapple with and subdue this powerful enemy; and though our bodies must fall victims to his stroke, yet, "praise the Lord, O my soul; praise him, all his saints;" he giveth us the victory. He puts songs of triumph into our hearts and lips; not for what we have done, but our Father refers us to the glorious achievements of our Redeemer and Lord. He hath obtained a perfect conquest for all the children of his Father's family; and victory is not only proclaimed, but given. Jesus is the unspeakable gift of the Father's love; victory over death is given through him: faith to believe it in the heart, and triumph over it in the conscience, is his free gift also. Thus the Spirit testifies of and glorifies Jesus. Thus his members rejoice in the truth, and are comforted by the truth.
Death was brought into the world by the father of lies. He is vanquished and destroyed by Jesus, who is essentially the truth. "The soul that sinneth shall die."
The man Jesus, the sinner's Surety, fell a sacrifice to this truth. Hence truth is fulfilled in his death. Justice is satisfied. Death disarmed of its sting, which is sin. Jesus hath "put away sin, by the sacrifice of himself." Heb. 9: 26. And the strength of sin, which is the law, Jesus hath perfectly fulfilled in his life for us. He hath fully answered all its demands. By him all its accusations are silenced. Precious Christ! Happy believer! What harm can the most fierce, poisonous monster do thee when it has lost its sting and is without strength? Most precious truth! Death is yours. 1 Cor. 3: 22.
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