The radio
ad for an upcoming seminar sounded intriguing. The announcer said, “You can
beat death—for good! Attend my seminar and I’ll show you how.” I wondered for a
few moments what the speaker would claim could beat death and what his
suggestions might be. Perhaps something about diet or exercise or freezing our
bodies? After listening a little longer, though, I realized he had said, “You
can beat debt—for good.”
The most
wonderful news is that we can beat death because Jesus paid our debt! (1
Cor. 15:55-57). Our debt of sin meant separation from God, but Jesus willingly
gave up His life and was crucified on a cross to pay what we owed. As Mary
Magdalene and another Mary went to the tomb on the third day to anoint His
body, an angel told them: “He is not here; for He is risen, as He said” (Matt.
28:6). With great joy they ran to bring His disciples the word. On their way,
Jesus met them and said, “Rejoice!” (v.9). Jesus had risen, and His followers
had reason for rejoicing.
Jesus has removed the sting of death (1 Cor. 15:55). Now we too have victory by believing in the Son of God’s death and resurrection for us. Through Jesus’ perfect work, we can beat death—for good!
