JESUS THE CONQUEROR OF DEATH
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Corinthians 15:50-58
Key Verse: “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” — 1 Corinthians 15:55
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 2:14-15; John 11:25-26; Revelation 1:17-18; Romans 6:9
INTRODUCTION
Death has always been the greatest fear of humanity, the one enemy no human strength or wisdom could overcome. But in Christ Jesus, the fear, power, and dominion of death have been broken forever. Through His death, burial, and resurrection, Jesus conquered the grave and destroyed the authority of death over all who believe in Him. His victory becomes our victory, His resurrection becomes our assurance, and His triumph becomes our confidence in life and eternity.
The resurrection of Jesus is not just an event in history; it is the foundation of the Christian faith, the anchor of our hope, and the guarantee of our future glory. Without His conquest over death, our preaching would be useless, our faith empty, and our hope meaningless. But because He lives, believers can face life, death, and eternity without fear.
In a world filled with uncertainty, sorrow, and the reality of death, we must hold firmly to the revelation that Jesus is the Conqueror of Death. He has stripped death of its sting, rendered the grave powerless, and given us abundant life now and eternal life forever. This truth strengthens our faith, stabilizes our walk, and empowers us to live victoriously.
1. JESUS CONQUERED DEATH BY HIS RESURRECTION
The resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of His power and supremacy. Death could not hold Him, the grave could not confine Him, and hell could not defeat Him.
a) His resurrection broke the power of death — Romans 6:9. Jesus died once, rose again, and can never die again; death has no dominion over Him.
b) His resurrection fulfilled prophecy — Psalm 16:10. God foretold that His Holy One would not see corruption, proving Christ’s divine identity.
c) His resurrection declared Him the Son of God — Romans 1:4. The empty tomb validates His divinity and proves that He is the eternal, living Lord.
d) His resurrection guarantees our resurrection — 1 Corinthians 15:20-22. Because He rose as the firstfruits, every believer is assured of rising with Him in glory.
Biblical Example: Jesus raised Himself from the dead just as He declared in John 2:19, proving that He has power over life, death, and eternity.
2. JESUS DESTROYED THE FEAR AND BONDAGE OF DEATH
Death no longer has dominion over those who belong to Christ. He has shattered the fear that once held humanity in bondage.
a) Jesus destroyed the devil’s death power — Hebrews 2:14. Through His own death, He rendered powerless the one who held people in slavery through fear.
b) He delivered us from lifelong fear of death — Hebrews 2:15. Believers no longer approach death with terror but with confidence in eternal life.
c) His victory assures us of eternal security — John 10:28. No believer will be snatched away by death because eternal life is guaranteed in Christ.
d) His presence gives confidence even in the valley — Psalm 23:4. With Jesus, even the darkest seasons cannot overwhelm or defeat us.
Biblical Example: Stephen faced death with boldness and peace in Acts 7:55-60 because he saw Jesus standing in glory, proving that death had lost its sting.
3. JESUS HOLDS THE KEYS OF DEATH AND HELL
Jesus has full authority over death, the grave, and eternity. Nothing can take a believer’s life without His permission.
a) He holds the keys of death — Revelation 1:18. Authority over who lives, who dies, and who rises belongs to Him alone.
b) He conquered hell and stripped it of power — Colossians 2:15
He made an open show of principalities, demonstrating His authority over all forces of darkness.
c) He determines the destiny of every soul — Acts 17:31. Christ is the appointed Judge of the living and the dead.
d) His authority guarantees victory over the grave — Hosea 13:14. He redeems His people from the power of the grave and destroys death’s influence forever.
Biblical Example: Jesus raised Lazarus after four days (John 11:43-44), proving that even decay and time cannot challenge His authority.
4. JESUS GIVES BELIEVERS VICTORY OVER DEATH BOTH NOW AND FOREVER
The victory of Christ is not only future, it begins now. We walk in resurrection power today and will share in His glory eternally.
a) We have eternal life through Him — John 11:25-26. Whoever believes in Him will never die spiritually and will live forever.
b) We have victory in daily living — Romans 8:11. The same Spirit that raised Jesus empowers believers to live above sin and defeat.
c) Our physical death is gain — Philippians 1:21. For believers, death is not loss but an entrance into eternal glory.
d) We shall rise incorruptible — 1 Corinthians 15:52–54. When Christ returns, death will be swallowed up completely in victory.
Biblical Example: Paul lived with unshakable confidence in resurrection power, declaring, “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”
CONCLUSION
Jesus Christ has conquered the greatest enemy of humanity: death. His resurrection guarantees our redemption, secures our eternal life, and destroys every power that once held us in fear. His victory is not partial but absolute, not temporary but eternal. Because He conquered death, every believer can face life with confidence, confront challenges with boldness, and approach eternity with hope.
As followers of Christ, we must live daily in this revelation, refusing fear, resisting defeat, and standing firm on the certainty that Jesus is alive forevermore. His victory is our inheritance, His resurrection our assurance, and His power our constant strength. We are more than conquerors because the Conqueror of Death lives within us.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, thank You for giving me victory through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
2. Jesus, let Your resurrection power continually strengthen my spirit.
3. Lord, deliver me from every fear connected to death or the future.
4. Let the power that raised Jesus from the dead quicken every area of my life.
5. Lord, break every bondage and oppression assigned to weaken my faith.
6. Jesus, conquer every enemy rising against my purpose and destiny.
7. Lord, strengthen my hope in eternal life and keep me steadfast in Your truth.
8. Let every spiritual grave holding my blessings be opened by Your power.
9. Lord, give me grace to walk daily in resurrection authority.
10. Jesus, let Your victory speak for me in every battle of life.
