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1 Corinthians 15:54
Verse
Context
Where, O Death, Is Your Victory?
53For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Death is swallowed up in victory - Κατεποθη ὁ θανατος εις νικος. These words are a quotation from Isa 25:8, where the Hebrew is בלע המות לנצח billa hammaveth lanetsach: He (God) hath swallowed up death in victory; or, for ever. These words in the Septuagint are thus translated: κατεπιεν ὁ θανατος ισχυσας· Death having prevailed, or conquered, hath swallowed up. But in the version of Theodotion, the words are the same with those of the apostle. The Hebrew לנצח lanetsach the Septuagint sometimes translate εις νικος, in victory, but most commonly εις τελος, for ever; both, as Bishop Pearce observes, in such kind of phrases, signifying the same thing, because eternity conquers all things; and accordingly, in Sa2 2:26, where the Septuagint have μη εις νικος καταφαγεται ἡ ῥομφαια, our English version has, Shall the sword devour For Ever? And the same may be seen in Job 36:7; Lam 5:20; Amo 1:11; Amo 8:7; from which authority the bishop translates the clause here, Death is swallowed up For Ever. Death is here personified and represented as a devouring being, swallowing up all the generations of men; and by the resurrection of the body and the destruction of the empire of death, God is represented as swallowing him up; or that eternity gulps him down; so that he is endlessly lost and absorbed in its illimitable waste. How glorious a time to the righteous, when the inhabitant shall no more say, I am sick; when God shall have wiped away all tears from off all faces, and when there shall be no more death. This time must come. Hallelujah! The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
then--not before. Death has as yet a sting even to the believer, in that his body is to be under its power till the resurrection. But then the sting and power of death shall cease for ever. Death is swallowed up in victory--In Hebrew of Isa 25:8, from which it is quoted, "He (Jehovah) will swallow up death in victory"; that is, for ever: as "in victory" often means in Hebrew idiom (Jer 3:5; Lam 5:20). Christ will swallow it up so altogether victoriously that it shall never more regain its power (compare Hos 6:2; Hos 13:14; Co2 5:4; Heb 2:14-15; Rev 20:14; Rev 21:4).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory,.... Over sin the sting of death, over the law the strength of sin, and over death and the grave; and which will be the ground and foundation of the above triumphant song in the resurrection morn, as it is now at this present time of praise and thankfulness to God: and it is all through our Lord Jesus; he has got the victory over sin; he has put it away by the sacrifice of himself; he has finished and made an end of it; for though it reigns over his people before conversion, and dwells in them after it, yet in consequence of his atonement for it, it loses its governing power through the Spirit and grace of God in regeneration, and entirely its damning power over them, and in the resurrection morn will not be so much as in being in them; the view of which now fills them with joy, thanksgiving, and triumph. Christ has obtained a victory over the law; he has stopped its mouth, and answered all its demands; he has been made under, and subject to it; he has obeyed its precepts, and bore its penalty, and has delivered his from the curse and condemnation of it, so that they have nothing to fear from it; it is dead to them, and they to that: he has also abolished death by dying and rising again, so as that it shall have no more dominion over him; and he has abolished it as a penal evil to his saints; and though they die, they shall not always remain under the power of death, they shall live again, and with him for ever: he has conquered the grave by rising out of it himself, and living for evermore, having the keys of the grave in his hands; and will at the last day oblige it to give up its dead, when his victory over this, with respect to his people, will be abundantly manifest: now this victory, in all its branches, is given by God to believers; they are made to share in all the victories of Christ their head, and are more than conquerors through him; but this is not by merit, but by gift, the gift of God the Father, who gives his Son, and all things with him that are his; and this gift is a distinguishing one; it is given to us, and not to others; and which therefore calls aloud for praise and thankfulness. The title of the "ninth" psalm may be rendered, "to the conqueror over death", or "that is the author of victory over death, even to the Son, a psalm of David", Psa 9:1.
1 Corinthians 15:54
Where, O Death, Is Your Victory?
53For the perishable must be clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Living to Die
By Leonard Ravenhill3.7K1:17:57Death To Self1CO 15:54In this sermon, the speaker expresses gratitude for the blessed hope of the second coming of Jesus Christ. Despite the denial and scoffing of others, the speaker firmly believes in the imminent return of Christ. The speaker also acknowledges the suffering of those in slavery and persecution around the world, but holds onto the belief that ultimately the gospel will triumph and people from all nations will be gathered together. The sermon concludes with a reminder that as believers, our mortal bodies will be transformed into immortality, and we will enter into eternal life.
The Resurrection of the Dead
By H.J. Vine0JHN 11:4JHN 11:25ROM 1:1ROM 8:291CO 15:121CO 15:542CO 5:1PHP 3:21REV 1:18H.J. Vine preaches on the significance of Jesus Christ being declared as the Son of God with power through His resurrection from the dead, emphasizing the importance of this truth for believers' faith and assurance. The sermon delves into the profound implications of Christ's resurrection, highlighting how it confirms His identity as the Son of God and the Resurrection and the Life. It challenges believers to firmly hold onto the truth of resurrection, which is foundational to the Christian faith and essential for understanding God's power and glory.
Vi. the Cloud of Witnesses
By Martyrs of the Catacombs0JHN 11:25ROM 8:181CO 15:54HEB 11:131PE 4:14REV 2:10REV 21:4In the sermon 'These all died in faith,' the preacher Martyrs of the Catacombs shares the inspiring stories of early Christians who faced persecution and death with unwavering faith and hope in Christ. Through exploring the catacombs, Marcellus learns about the strong faith and sacrificial love of these martyrs, finding comfort in the symbols and inscriptions that point to the resurrection and eternal life in Christ. The preacher emphasizes the importance of enduring tribulations with the assurance of Christ's victory and grace, encouraging listeners to find strength in the examples of those who faithfully gave their lives for the Gospel.
Glimpses at Life's Windows
By J.R. Miller0ImmortalityHope in Christ1CO 15:54J.R. Miller reflects on the theme of immortality, emphasizing that life on earth often feels confining, like being trapped in a dark tower. He encourages listeners to recognize that glimpses of a glorious afterlife can inspire a nobler existence, transforming our perspective on earthly struggles and failures. The resurrection serves as a window to the eternal, reminding us that death is not an end but a transition to a fuller, more beautiful life. Miller urges us to live with the awareness of immortality, which can motivate us to serve others and pursue our aspirations without fear of earthly limitations. Ultimately, he reassures that every act of love and sacrifice will bear fruit in eternity, enriching our lives beyond the grave.
The Future Life - "The Home of the Soul"
By W.B. Dunkum01SA 20:3ISA 1:18JHN 11:25JHN 14:21CO 15:541CO 15:58PHP 3:20HEB 13:5REV 21:4REV 22:5W.B. Dunkum preaches about the probationary nature of time, emphasizing the importance of preparing for eternity while we are still in time. He discusses the indistinct knowledge of the Home of the Soul before Christ's coming and the separation between sinners and saints in the afterlife. The sermon delves into the concept of heaven as a place of eternal worship and service, contrasting it with the eternal suffering of hell for those who reject God. W.B. Dunkum highlights the necessity of living a life of holiness and righteousness to secure a place in heaven, where there will be no more pain, suffering, or tears.
Re-Examining Revival in the Church
By Larry R. Sinclair0JOB 1:8ISA 25:8MAT 23:241CO 15:542CO 5:4EPH 6:10HEB 11:291PE 5:8REV 12:16The preacher discusses the Greek word 'katapino,' which means to swallow up completely or cause sudden destruction. He emphasizes how our enemy seeks to bring spiritual ruin, weaken our faith, and replace it with fear. By relying on God's strength, believers can resist the enemy and claim victory through faith, obedience, and prayer. The sermon warns about Satan's tactics to devour believers and highlights the importance of being alert, submitting to one another, humbling ourselves, casting our cares on the Lord, and being watchful to resist the enemy's attacks.
Transcendent, Soul-Attracting Glories
By Anne Dutton0PSA 16:111CO 15:542CO 3:182CO 5:21PE 1:4Anne Dutton preaches about the believer's anticipation of the heavenly glory awaiting them, emphasizing the eternal inheritance and joy that will be experienced in the presence of God. She expresses a deep longing for the incorruptible and undefiled blessings of heaven, free from sin and weakness, where believers will be filled with heavenly delights and the immediate vision of God and the Lamb for eternity. Despite the struggles and burdens faced in this earthly life, the hope of immortality and the prospect of being forever with the Lord bring comfort and joy, as death is seen as a gateway to eternal life and the full realization of God's glory.
Christ’s Resurrection Gives a New View of Death
By Dan Puckett0JHN 11:251CO 15:54HEB 2:14HEB 9:27REV 20:14Dan Puckett delves into the various perspectives on death, highlighting how different individuals and belief systems view death - as an ally, an end, a transition to a better life, or a wake-up call to accountability. He emphasizes Jesus Christ's pivotal role in addressing death and the afterlife, revealing how Jesus conquered death, transforming fear into hope for believers. Puckett underscores the biblical truth that after one life comes judgment, leading to either eternal life in Heaven with God or eternal damnation in the lake of fire. He challenges the notion of second chances after death and stresses the importance of settling eternal matters in this life.
Eternal Life
By Henry T. Anderson0JHN 11:25ROM 6:231CO 15:542CO 5:11JN 5:11Henry T. Anderson preaches about the paradox of living and yet being dead, emphasizing that believers in Christ shall never truly die as Jesus died for their sins, abolishing death and offering eternal life. He delves into the concept of spiritual death as separation from God due to sin, and how Christ's sacrifice frees believers from this death. Anderson highlights the divine nature imparted to believers through Christ, giving them victory over sin and the promise of everlasting life, ultimately leading to the abolishment of death and the transformation of mortal bodies into immortal ones.
Exposition on Psalm 66
By St. Augustine0MAT 6:1MAT 12:39MAT 25:42LUK 16:9JHN 14:6ROM 10:4ROM 11:251CO 1:261CO 15:54PHP 2:12COL 1:18St. Augustine preaches about the importance of recognizing Christ as the Resurrection and the hope of Christians, contrasting the Jewish hope of resurrection with the universal hope offered to Gentiles through Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the need for believers to surrender their pride and boast in God's grace, offering themselves as whole sacrifices to God. St. Augustine encourages believers to pass through trials of fire and water, symbolizing tribulations and prosperity, with faith and perseverance, offering prayers and sacrifices to God with sincerity and humility.
Heavenly Meditation
By Richard Baxter0PSA 84:2MAT 5:10MAT 25:34MAT 26:41ROM 4:201CO 2:91CO 15:54REV 4:8REV 22:17REV 22:20Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of daily meditation and prayer, urging believers to retire to a private place, set aside worldly thoughts, and focus on heavenly realities to ignite a transformation from a forgetful sinner to an ardent lover of God. He emphasizes the anticipation of everlasting rest, the nearness of Christ's return, and the joy of being welcomed into God's kingdom. Baxter encourages a longing for heavenly glory, a surrender to God's will, and a readiness for Christ's return, highlighting the ultimate hope of eternal rest and joy in God's presence.
The Ministry of Tears
By T. De Witt Talmage0PSA 30:5PSA 56:8ISA 25:8JHN 11:35ROM 8:181CO 15:542CO 1:31TH 4:17REV 7:17REV 21:4T. DeWitt Talmage preaches about the Ministry of tears, highlighting how tears keep this world from being too attractive, make us feel dependent on God, and capacitate us for the office of Sympathy. He emphasizes that God will wipe away all tears from our eyes in Heaven, where there will be no more sorrow or pain, and where we will be reunited with our departed loved ones in eternal joy and glory.
January 15. 1678. the Holy Court.
By Jane Lead0ROM 8:111CO 15:54HEB 7:11HEB 8:21PE 2:9REV 22:1Jane Lead preaches about a divine revelation she received regarding the establishment of a holy court and secret pavilion of the Most High, where the Ark of the living Testimony resides. She speaks of a new priesthood emerging from pure hearts, in alignment with the Church of the firstborn, ushering in a celestial ministry. Lead emphasizes the transformation and purification of believers, symbolized by the separation from the earthly fold into a higher spiritual realm, where victory over death, sin, and the curse is achieved through the work of the Spirit.
It Is a Sweet Thing to Suffer With Christ
By Anne Dutton0ISA 53:4MIC 2:10ROM 8:171CO 15:542CO 4:17PHP 3:10HEB 12:21PE 1:6Anne Dutton preaches about the trials faced by God's people in the present state, emphasizing the peace found in Jesus amidst troubles and the need to prepare during calm times for storms. She delves into the concept of suffering with Christ, distinguishing between His penal sufferings for atonement and the filial sufferings as an example for Christians to follow. Anne highlights the shared purpose, influence of the Spirit, and ultimate outcome of suffering with Christ, leading to a full deliverance from misery and advancement to eternal glory.
A Love-Stroke
By Anne Dutton0PSA 16:11ISA 41:101CO 15:54EPH 3:20COL 2:9Anne Dutton preaches a message of encouragement and hope to a dear friend who has endured great suffering, highlighting the wonders of God's infinite goodness and grace in times of distress. She emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's delivering grace through all tribulations, reminding that Christ, the tree of life, is present in every trial to sweeten the bitterness and bring victory over death. Dutton urges to find joy and satisfaction in having a personal relationship with Jesus, who offers eternal life, love, and glory beyond earthly sorrows.
The Soft Embraces of Those Sweet Arms
By Anne Dutton0DEU 31:6PSA 23:4ISA 41:101CO 15:54REV 21:4Anne Dutton preaches a comforting sermon to parents, assuring them of the Lord's presence in their pains, sickness, and even in death. She emphasizes that Jesus, as their high priest, will lead them safely through the trials of life and into the promised land. Dutton reminds them that God's everlasting arms will support them, keeping their spirits from despair and ultimately leading them to eternal glory in the presence of Jesus where there is no sickness or pain. She encourages them to see death as a blessing, an entrance into a life of perfect holiness and happiness in the presence of the Lord.
Christianity and the Future
By David Shelby Corlett0MAT 18:10MAT 25:46JHN 5:281CO 5:101CO 15:241CO 15:511CO 15:54PHP 3:201TH 4:152PE 3:13David Shelby Corlett preaches about the kingdom of God as a present reality and a future hope, emphasizing the rule of Christ over His people through the Holy Spirit and the ultimate consummation of God's kingdom. Believers anticipate the second coming of Christ, where the living and the dead in Christ will be united with Him. The Christian view of death is seen as a transition to a new life in a glorified body, and the resurrection will bring both the just and the unjust back to life. Glorification represents the completion of salvation, transforming believers into the likeness of Christ's glorious body.
The New Age of the Holy Spirit
By T. Austin-Sparks0ROM 8:17ROM 8:291CO 15:461CO 15:54REV 21:2T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the book of Acts, emphasizing the transition to a new spiritual age marked by the arrival of the Holy Spirit. He challenges the traditional title 'The Acts' for limiting the focus on outward activities rather than the spiritual essence of the new dispensation. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing the spiritual nature of the new age and the work of the Holy Spirit in transforming believers to reflect the image of Christ. It underscores the sovereignty of God's Spirit in orchestrating His divine purposes despite adversities and challenges faced by the Church.
The Saints' Attendants
By George Kulp0EXO 14:19PSA 23:6ROM 8:281CO 15:542CO 5:8EPH 2:4PHP 4:19REV 21:4REV 22:14George Kulp delivers a powerful sermon on the enduring presence of God's goodness and mercy in the lives of His children, drawing from the beautiful imagery of Psalms 23:6. Through various biblical examples like Elijah, Elisha, and the apostles, he illustrates how God's goodness and mercy have always been constant companions to those who trust in Him. Kulp emphasizes the abundant provision, protection, and guidance that God's goodness offers, highlighting the privilege of dwelling in the house of the Lord both now and for eternity.
An Outlet and an Inlet
By Thomas Brooks0DeathEternal LifeJHN 11:25ROM 6:231CO 15:54Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a holy man, death serves as both an outlet from the burdens of sin and suffering and an inlet to the eternal joys and pleasures of God. He describes death as a means of liberation from all earthly troubles, transforming grace into glory and faith into vision. Brooks reassures that death is not an end but a transition to a fuller, more satisfying existence in the presence of God. He encourages believers to view death as a welcome friend that ushers them into eternal life and immortality. Ultimately, he proclaims the victory over death through Christ, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15:54.
January 18. 1678. an Answer to an Objection Against the Translated State.
By Jane Lead0DAN 7:27MAT 25:1LUK 12:371CO 15:521CO 15:541TH 4:16HEB 11:52PE 3:101JN 3:2REV 20:4Jane Lead preaches about the deep and mysterious revelation she has received regarding the transformation and translation of believers before Christ's final coming and judgment. She emphasizes the need for a pure and spotless life, separated from the corrupt earthly ways, in preparation for the high coelestiality and communion with the sacred Trinity. Lead discusses the threefold coming of Christ, highlighting the importance of faith, purity, and readiness for the ultimate redemption and transmutation of believers into immortal beings. She urges believers to be vigilant, watchful, and fully prepared for the imminent return of the Lord, encouraging a life of introversion and separation from the worldly distractions.
Viii. Life in the Catacombs
By Martyrs of the Catacombs0ROM 8:181CO 15:541TH 4:16HEB 11:351PE 4:12In the sermon 'Martyrs of the Catacombs,' the preacher describes the harrowing experiences of early Christians living in the Catacombs of Rome, facing persecution and death for their faith in Christ. Despite the darkness, dangers, and gloom of their underground refuge, these believers found solace in their unwavering faith, hope in the resurrection, and love for God and one another. The Catacombs became a sanctuary where the persecuted Christians gathered, worshipped, and supported each other, awaiting the final summons and the promise of eternal life.
The Promised Fruit of Christ's Sufferings.
By Edward Payson0ISA 53:11ROM 14:111CO 15:542CO 5:21EPH 5:27PHP 2:6PHP 2:101PE 2:24REV 5:9REV 19:6Edward Payson preaches about the fulfillment of Jesus Christ's sacrifice, highlighting the joy He finds in seeing the fruits of His sufferings, which include the justification of many and the glorification of God through the salvation of sinners. The sermon emphasizes the already seen and future fulfillment of this prediction, with a final completion in eternity where all believers will be raised in glory and perfection. Payson urges listeners to actively participate in extending the benefits of redemption, as the work of salvation is the noblest of God's works and brings satisfaction to the Savior, showcasing His benevolence and selfless love for humanity.
His Way
By Richard E. Bieber0MAT 5:44MAT 6:14LUK 23:34LUK 24:34JHN 20:191CO 15:54PHP 3:10COL 3:13Richard E. Bieber preaches on the profound significance of knowing Jesus in the power of His resurrection, the fellowship of His sufferings, and becoming like Him in His death. He emphasizes that Jesus' resurrection was not a spectacle for the world but a manifestation of forgiveness and grace to those who acknowledge their need for it. Through examples like Mary Magdalene, Peter, and the apostles, he illustrates how encountering the risen Christ leads to a life of forgiveness and a deep transformation that impacts others. Bieber challenges believers to embrace a forgiven life, a life that forgives, and ultimately, a forgiving death, where bitterness is replaced by forgiveness, echoing Jesus' words on the cross.
Conqueror in Death
By George Kulp02KI 2:121CO 15:541CO 15:572TI 4:6REV 22:20George Kulp delivers a sermon reflecting on the testimonies of dying saints and sinners, illustrating the stark contrast between their final moments and expressions of faith or despair. The sermon emphasizes the peace and assurance found in surrendering to God, as seen in the examples of various historical figures facing death with either hope or dread, ultimately pointing to the victory and salvation through Jesus Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Death is swallowed up in victory - Κατεποθη ὁ θανατος εις νικος. These words are a quotation from Isa 25:8, where the Hebrew is בלע המות לנצח billa hammaveth lanetsach: He (God) hath swallowed up death in victory; or, for ever. These words in the Septuagint are thus translated: κατεπιεν ὁ θανατος ισχυσας· Death having prevailed, or conquered, hath swallowed up. But in the version of Theodotion, the words are the same with those of the apostle. The Hebrew לנצח lanetsach the Septuagint sometimes translate εις νικος, in victory, but most commonly εις τελος, for ever; both, as Bishop Pearce observes, in such kind of phrases, signifying the same thing, because eternity conquers all things; and accordingly, in Sa2 2:26, where the Septuagint have μη εις νικος καταφαγεται ἡ ῥομφαια, our English version has, Shall the sword devour For Ever? And the same may be seen in Job 36:7; Lam 5:20; Amo 1:11; Amo 8:7; from which authority the bishop translates the clause here, Death is swallowed up For Ever. Death is here personified and represented as a devouring being, swallowing up all the generations of men; and by the resurrection of the body and the destruction of the empire of death, God is represented as swallowing him up; or that eternity gulps him down; so that he is endlessly lost and absorbed in its illimitable waste. How glorious a time to the righteous, when the inhabitant shall no more say, I am sick; when God shall have wiped away all tears from off all faces, and when there shall be no more death. This time must come. Hallelujah! The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
then--not before. Death has as yet a sting even to the believer, in that his body is to be under its power till the resurrection. But then the sting and power of death shall cease for ever. Death is swallowed up in victory--In Hebrew of Isa 25:8, from which it is quoted, "He (Jehovah) will swallow up death in victory"; that is, for ever: as "in victory" often means in Hebrew idiom (Jer 3:5; Lam 5:20). Christ will swallow it up so altogether victoriously that it shall never more regain its power (compare Hos 6:2; Hos 13:14; Co2 5:4; Heb 2:14-15; Rev 20:14; Rev 21:4).
John Gill Bible Commentary
But thanks be to God which giveth us the victory,.... Over sin the sting of death, over the law the strength of sin, and over death and the grave; and which will be the ground and foundation of the above triumphant song in the resurrection morn, as it is now at this present time of praise and thankfulness to God: and it is all through our Lord Jesus; he has got the victory over sin; he has put it away by the sacrifice of himself; he has finished and made an end of it; for though it reigns over his people before conversion, and dwells in them after it, yet in consequence of his atonement for it, it loses its governing power through the Spirit and grace of God in regeneration, and entirely its damning power over them, and in the resurrection morn will not be so much as in being in them; the view of which now fills them with joy, thanksgiving, and triumph. Christ has obtained a victory over the law; he has stopped its mouth, and answered all its demands; he has been made under, and subject to it; he has obeyed its precepts, and bore its penalty, and has delivered his from the curse and condemnation of it, so that they have nothing to fear from it; it is dead to them, and they to that: he has also abolished death by dying and rising again, so as that it shall have no more dominion over him; and he has abolished it as a penal evil to his saints; and though they die, they shall not always remain under the power of death, they shall live again, and with him for ever: he has conquered the grave by rising out of it himself, and living for evermore, having the keys of the grave in his hands; and will at the last day oblige it to give up its dead, when his victory over this, with respect to his people, will be abundantly manifest: now this victory, in all its branches, is given by God to believers; they are made to share in all the victories of Christ their head, and are more than conquerors through him; but this is not by merit, but by gift, the gift of God the Father, who gives his Son, and all things with him that are his; and this gift is a distinguishing one; it is given to us, and not to others; and which therefore calls aloud for praise and thankfulness. The title of the "ninth" psalm may be rendered, "to the conqueror over death", or "that is the author of victory over death, even to the Son, a psalm of David", Psa 9:1.