"But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
1 Corinthians 15:57
The “resurrection chapter” is what 1 Corinthians 15 is known as. Paul teaches God’s truth about what happens to the believer as he dies in Christ. The chapter begins with the resurrection of Jesus Christ, vv. 1-11. Then tells of the resurrection of the dead, vv. 12-34. Then it explains the resurrection body, vv. 35-49. The mystery and the victory, vv. 50-58. Our verse for today tells why we are thankful.
“But thanks be to God,”
The believer’s resurrection is not because of any good that the believer has done, but only what God has done.
“A Psalm. O sing unto the LORD a new song; for he hath done marvelous things: his right hand, and his holy arm, hath gotten him the victory,” (Psalm 98:1).
We owe our “thanks to God” for His plan of salvation, which provides for our victory in Christ.
“Which giveth us the victory.”
Believers, we have the victory—now! “Giveth” is present tense, a sure thing, right now. The scriptures teach us that we have the victory over sin, death, and the grave. Jesus Christ paid for our sin on His cross! “Death is swallowed up in victory!” And the grave must give way to the resurrection!
“I will not fear thee, death, why should I? Thou lookest like a dragon, but thy sting is gone. Thy teeth are broken, oh old lion, wherefore should I fear thee? I know thou art no more able to destroy me, but thou art sent as a messenger to conduct me to the golden gate wherein I shall enter and see my Saviour’s unveiled face for ever. Expiring saints have often said that their last beds have been the best they have ever slept upon.”1 (Spurgeon)
“Through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Victory over sin, death, and the grave is only possible because of Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for us. When He died, I died with Him, as He was buried, I was also, and like He was raised, so shall I be raised also! (Romans 6:3-5).
Thanks be to God!
1. As quoted by David Guzik in eSword.