Victory through Christ
Now since the children have flesh and blood in common, Jesus also shared in these, so that through his death he might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death. Hebrews 2:14-15 CSB
The following two verses have essential doctrine packed into them, regarding Christ as fully human and that His death provides salvation. First off, Jesus was completely human. A few months ago, we looked at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John, and in those letters, John was combating false teachers who were claiming that Jesus was not fully human, and because he was not fully flesh and blood, He could not have died, and therefore, could not provide salvation from death. Jesus being fully human is very important, in that, through His humanity, He could relate to us, as well as die a physical death, paying the penalty of sin which is death. Thomas Lea says it best, “Our sin, not His own sin, caused Jesus to die. His death snatched away our sin and guilt.” As the writer of Hebrews says from the text, “Through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death—that is, the devil.” The devil helped in introducing sin to the world through the temptation of Adam and Eve. Through the death on the cross and subsequent resurrection, Christ showed He has power over death, defeating the devil. Second, through the gift of salvation, Jesus “free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death.” Death and the subsequent punishment, eternal separation from God and an eternity in suffering due to judgment, does not need to be feared anymore. If you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you are a new creation, made righteous in front of God. Yes, physical death will still occur, yet, and more importantly, spiritual death will not happen, and instead, an eternity in paradise with Jesus and all other believers free from pain and suffering will be enjoyed. For Christians, the fear of death should not exist. Paul himself showed that fearlessness in 2 Corinthians 5:8, “In fact, we are confident, and we would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” Physical death for the believer leads to eternity in heaven with the Lord. Therefore, while here on earth, believers should not be afraid of dying, but instead, be boldly proclaiming the gospel message while they have the opportunity. And if you do not have a relationship with Christ, and you are afraid of death, know that through Jesus’ death on the cross, you do not have to be afraid, but instead, look forward to the day when you reunite with your Savior. All you have to do is repent of your sin and believe in Christ as your Savior. “The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1 Corinthians 15:56-57).
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
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