Sermon Central
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Funeral Sermon: Victory Beyond The Grave Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Apr 5, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: The Apostle Paul reminds us that death has been swallowed up in victory. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, a door has been opened for us into eternal life. The grave may claim the body, but it cannot hold the soul of the righteous.
FUNERAL SERMON: VICTORY BEYOND THE GRAVE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:
1 Corinthians 15:51-57 (KJV)
51 Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
INTRODUCTION:
The passing of a loved one is one of life’s deepest pains. It leaves a void that no human words can fill. Yet for the believer, there is a deeper truth that brings comfort—death is not the end. It is not defeat. In Christ, there is victory beyond the grave.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that death has been swallowed up in victory. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, a door has been opened for us into eternal life. The grave may claim the body, but it cannot hold the soul of the righteous.
Today, we are not only mourning a departure—we are celebrating a promotion. A child of God has traded mortality for immortality, weakness for strength, and sorrow for everlasting joy.
1. DEATH IS A PASSAGE, NOT A PERMANENT END
The grave is not the final chapter for the child of God.
a) Death is not a period, but a comma in the story of the believer. It marks the beginning of eternal life in the presence of God (Philippians 1:21).
b) Our physical bodies may perish, but our spirits live on. The soul of the redeemed is precious and cannot be destroyed (Matthew 10:28).
c) Heaven is the true homeland of every believer. We are pilgrims on earth, heading for an eternal city (Hebrews 11:13-16).
d) For the Christian, to be absent in the body is to be present with the Lord. Death simply brings us face-to-face with our Saviour (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Biblical Example: Stephen, while being stoned, saw Jesus standing at the right hand of God and committed his spirit into His hands (Acts 7:55-60).
Even in death, the believer continues to live—in glory.
2. CHRIST’S RESURRECTION GUARANTEES OURS
Because Jesus lives, we shall live also.
a) The resurrection of Christ is the foundation of our hope. Without it, our faith would be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:14).
b) Jesus conquered the grave, making death a defeated enemy. He rose on the third day to secure eternal life for all who believe (Revelation 1:18).
c) The same power that raised Christ will raise us. The Holy Spirit within us is a guarantee of future resurrection (Romans 8:11).
d) Believers sleep in hope, not in despair. There is a sure promise that we shall rise again in glory (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14).
Biblical Example: Jesus said to Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life,” just before He raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11:25-44).
Because He lives, the grave cannot hold us captive.
3. ETERNAL LIFE IS THE BELIEVER’S INHERITANCE
What awaits us beyond the grave is more glorious than words can describe.
a) Eternal life is not a reward, but a gift of grace. It comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Romans 6:23).
b) In heaven, there is no more pain, tears, or sorrow. All the former things will be passed away (Revelation 21:4).
c) The righteous shall shine like stars in God’s kingdom. There will be joy unspeakable and full of glory (Daniel 12:3).
d) Death cannot separate us from God’s love. Our inheritance is secured in Christ for eternity (Romans 8:38-39).
Biblical Example: The thief on the cross received eternal life with Jesus in paradise on the very day he believed (Luke 23:39-43).
Heaven is not a dream—it is our destination in Christ.
4. THE GRAVE HAS LOST ITS VICTORY
What was once feared has now been defeated by Christ.
a) The sting of death is sin, but Jesus paid the price in full. His sacrifice on the cross took away our guilt (Hebrews 9:26-28).
b) The grave has no hold on the redeemed. Christ has taken the keys and rendered it powerless (1 Corinthians 15:55-57).
c) The fear of death is broken by the assurance of salvation. Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
d) We do not mourn as those without hope. Our grief is tempered by confidence in God’s promises (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
