By Nicholas Akasula
For Christians, victory over death signifies the triumph of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, breaking death’s power and offering believers the hope of eternal life. His resurrection is the beginning of a new creation, where death no longer reigns, and believers are granted the opportunity to live anew in God.
Death is our enemy. It robs us of loved ones and steals time from us. The pain of loss is profound because we were created for life, not death. God is not the God of the dead, but of the living (Mark 12:27). Yet, through His death, Jesus conquered death. This is the unwavering testimony of the New Testament. The exact mechanics of this victory remain a mystery—too profound for human comprehension. Nevertheless, Scripture consistently proclaims, in praise and thanksgiving, that Jesus triumphed over death and, in doing so, opened the way to eternal life for those once estranged from God.
This victory unfolds in distinct stages. First, on the day of His resurrection, Jesus confronted death not as a victim, but as a conqueror. His rising from the grave proved that death had no hold on Him. Second, this victory is personal and ongoing, occurring in the life of every believer. Ephesians 2:1-2 describes how we were once dead in sin, but through Christ, we are made alive, passing from death to life. This transformation testifies to the power of Jesus’ words, His voice calling us to life.
Resurrection as first victory over death
Jesus Christ’s resurrection is not merely a historical event; it is the foundation of His victory over death. It proves that death could not hold Him and assures believers of their own resurrection. His triumph transforms how Christians perceive death—not as a final defeat, but as a conquered foe. In this light, believers are called to live in the hope and assurance of Christ’s victory.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22 declares: “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”
Transition to eternal joy
For believers, death is not an end but an entrance into eternal joy. Easter serves as a powerful reminder of Christ’s victory over death. As 1 Corinthians 15:54 proclaims: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” This phrase, originally from Isaiah 25:8, is fulfilled in Jesus’ triumph, providing hope and assurance to all who believe.
The ultimate victory will be realised when Christ returns. On that day, “the perishable will put on the imperishable, and the mortal will put on immortality” (1 Corinthians 15:54). The final enemy, death, will be utterly vanquished.
Titus Oundo, former overseer of Deliverance Church Uganda, affirms: “Without the resurrection, the victory would be incomplete. It would be something hanging. But with the resurrection, it is complete. Jesus has already demonstrated that death is overcome. That’s why Paul says in 1 Corinthians 15:55: ‘Death, where is your sting?’”
The fact that Christ has conquered death has eternal consequences. Without His resurrection, the Gospel would be meaningless. 1 Corinthians 15:17 states: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.” But since He has risen, believers have passed from death to life (1 John 3:14). Christ “has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel” (2 Timothy 1:10).
Because Christ has conquered death, believers share in His victory. His victory fulfils prophecy. Psalm 16:10 foretold: “You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.” Isaiah 25:8 declares: “He will swallow up death forever.” Hosea 13:14 echoes this triumph: “Where, O death, are your plagues? Where, O grave, is your destruction?” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:54-55).
Precious Nakijjoba, a worshipper at Faith Worship Centre International in Nansana, reflects: “The resurrection reminds me of Malachi 3:3—Jesus, the refiner. He even refined death. The refiner’s fire and the wielder’s sword.”
Colossians 2:15 states: “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
Easter marks the moment when Christ’s victory over sin and death was proclaimed to all creation. The devil and his forces were defeated, and Christ emerged victorious. This victory should embolden believers to stand firm in faith, resisting the enemy’s deceptions. The risen Christ within us is greater than any force against us.
