I will be thankful because:  You Lord, have the power over sin, death, and the grave.

The fifteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians is the glorious “Resurrection Chapter” of the New Testament.  In it, Paul lays down the reasons for Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and the promise that since He arose again, we believers, will rise also.  Our verse for today is the next to last verse of the chapter, which directs our thanksgiving to God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

“But thanks be to God,”
Thank God, sin, and death have been conquered by Jesus Christ!  When Jesus said, “it is finished,” the penalty for sin had been paid in full.  When He arose from the grave, He proved that death had been defeated, once-for-all!  The “last enemy” has already been beaten!  It no longer has any power over us. Its sting has been removed (vv. 55-56).

“I will not fear thee, death, why should I?  Thou lookest like a dragon, but thy sting is gone.  Thy teeth are broken, oh old lion, wherefore should I fear thee?  I know thou art no more able to destroy me, but thou art sent as a messenger to conduct me to the golden gate wherein I shall enter and see my Saviour’s unveiled face for ever.  Expiring saints have often said that their last beds have been the best they have ever slept upon.” [1] (Spurgeon)

“Which giveth us the victory.”
Victory over death, hell, and the grave, are only possible because of the work of our Lord Jesus Christ.  And only true believers may have the assurance of this victory.  For those who do not believe, sadly, death still holds its sting, hell, and the grave their ferocity.

“Through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
It is Jesus Christ who has made all the difference for us!  He is the Victor!  And He has provided for our victory.

“The trumpet’s notes will call those who have died and the saints that are still alive on the earth, into one mighty host of transfigured and redeemed humanity.  Oh, happy day!  Then we shall be manifested, rewarded, and glorified with Christ.  All mysteries solved, all questions answered!  Till then, let us abound always in the work of the Lord” [2] (F.B. Myer).

Dear Lord, I thank you for your victory over sin, death, and hell!

[1] Spurgeon, as quoted by Guzik. Guzik, David, David Guzik’s Enduring Word Commentary, the electronic version in eSword.
[2] F.B. Meyer.  Through the Bible Day by Day, the electronic version in eSword.