The song by John Mark McMillan ‘Death in His Grave‘ really says it all. I encourage you to listen to the video at the end of this post. One of my favorite songs growing up was ‘Victory in Jesus‘. We have victory not on our own merit or of our own will; we have victory because of the price that Jesus paid on the cross for us.

It is this core principle that we believe what we believe–the resurrection from the dead. Paul mentions this principle to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 15. 1 Cor 15:13-14 says, “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” Paul mentioned in the second verse of this same chapter that it is “by this gospel (good news) that you are saved.” Before Jesus Christ died for us we were lost in our sins, but after he died and rose again we rose with him into a glorious new day. He made it possible that we might reign with him. He may have been tried and died the death reserved for a thief, but he rose as a king with the keys–to bring us a newness of life. It is through Jesus that the scripture is fulfilled, “Death is swallowed up in victory.’ O death, where is your victory? O death where is your sting?” 1 Cor 15:54-55 (ESV). It is only through Jesus that the perishable can put on the imperishable; and, the mortal is able to put on immortality.

I just wanted to encourage you with this today. Remember that which you first believed. Hold firm to it never letting go. It is not what you can do for God that Jesus died for you. He died for you so that you might live, rule, and reign with him. In his death and resurrection he gave you the right to be a child of God. He gave you the right of a crown. He made it where you were not only a subject of the king but an heir of the king. You could not only get the leftovers that God leaves for you; you could get the firstfruits that he has grown for you.

Peace, love and Christ ’cause you know He died for you!