“But that divine revelation from whence we learn our religion, opens to us a brighter prospect; it strengthens our eyes to look forward through the glooms of death, and behold the many who sleep in the dust—as awaking and rising— “some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt!” Dan. 12:2.
It assures us, “that the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and shall come forth; those who have done good—unto the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil—unto the resurrection of damnation!” John 5:28-29.
Therefore, be it known unto you, O Death, you king of terrors, that though we cannot now resist your power nor escape your arrest—yet we do not surrender ourselves to you as helpless, irredeemable prisoners.
We shall yet burst your bonds, and obtain the victory over you! And when we commit the dust of our friends or our own to you, O grave! know, it is a trust deposited in your custody, to be faithfully kept until called for by Him who was once a prisoner in your territories, but regained His liberty, and triumphed over you, and put that song of victory into the mouths of all his followers, “O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?” 1 Corinthians 15:55.”
—Samuel Davies, “Life and Immortality Revealed in the Gospel”
“yet we do not surrender ourselves to you as helpless, irredeemable prisoners.” Christina, how beautiful these words are. Thank you for sharing them. O that my heart would think on heaven MORE, for I know I do not do it enough. Praise God for the victory we have because of Christ. Love and hugs, my friend!
What a great post! Such an important reminder of our hope of glory in Christ. 🙂
I’ve been playing a song during worship at the men’s meeting that was inspired by 1 Corinthians 15:55, which is part of the last paragraph of your quote from Davies – “Christ Is Risen” by Matt Maher. I hope you take a couple of minutes to listen and be blessed by it.
A wonderful reminder that death does not have the victory! Because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we know that we, too, shall rise again. We need to be reminded of this joy and promise which the Lord gives to us. Thank you dear sister!
Thank you for this encouraging and true reminder. Much love to you!