”The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
1 Corinthians 15:56New International Version (NIV)
1 Corinthians 15:56 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
The Sting of Death is Sin
In 1 Corinthians 15:56, the apostle Paul wrote that the “sting of death is sin“. This was his alternative way of saying that the result/outcome of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
However, death is unnatural. This is because human beings were never meant to die. God’s intention at creation was for us to live with Him forever.
The sting of death in sin is derived from the law
Nevertheless, the power of the sting of death in sin is derived from the law. The (rationale of the) law, which is a set of rules and regulations, is meant to make the people that it governs exist in a wise and safe way.
But, in doing so, it imprisons (dis-empowers/disadvantages) the same people. This is because, the breaking of one law/regulation, is (the same as) breaking the entire law.
Therefore, no one can fulfill the demand of the law. There is no way out. And that is why there is only one end, which is death.
He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ
Glory be to God, for in verse 57, Apostle Paul gives us the Good News. That is: “Thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Because Jesus came to do for us what we cannot (and could not) do. He (perfectly) fulfilled God’s law on our behalf by his own life of perfect obedience.
This laid the ground for Him to win forgiveness for all our sins by the sacrifice of his suffering, death, and resurrection. And through faith in Him, death is no longer a stinging punishment, but the victorious entry into eternal life.
Prayer
Father God, I thank you for sending Jesus Christ, your only Son, to take my place on the cross at Calvary. This sacrificial act is what avails to me the gift of redemption, even the forgiveness of sins. I receive all this with an open heart and humble myself before you in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Prayer to Receive and Believe in Jesus Christ
Lord God, I desire to not be under the power of sin. Therefore, I confess that I am a sinner who is separated from you. I am truly sorry and want to turn away from my sinful past to You.
Please forgive me of my sins and keep me away from temptation and sin. I believe Your only Son, Jesus Christ, died for my sins, was resurrected from the dead, and is alive.
Therefore, I invite You, Jesus, to come into my life and become the Lord of my life, to rule and reign in my heart from this day forward. Please send your Holy Spirit to help me obey you, and to do your will for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
2 Samuel 19-20 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
