The Day Death Went Into the Grave

by Karen S. Roberts

No one could control death.  Sometimes it came slowly, but other times it caught people by surprise.  Death would strike.  That was it.  As a body went into the grave, grievers had no assurance that the victim of death  would have life beyond the grave.  Death brought hopelessness and darkness.  People longed for life and light.

Light Came into Darkness

But one day the Savior willingly died on a cross.  Jesus claimed to be the Light of the world, as well as the Resurrection and the Life.

He was without sin, but was willing to take the punishment that every person deserves for his sin.

The Day that Death Seemed to Win

But it didn’t look like the light was winning over darkness.  It appeared that the enemy – the one who brought hopeless death –  had won.  Jesus said, “It is finished.”  His spirit left his body.  His followers mourned.  They took His body from the cross, cleaned and wrapped it, and put it in a rich man’s grave.  Hopelessness set in.

But Jesus had promised He would come back to life.  His followers had not accepted that He would have to die, and therefore were taken by surprise and were not looking for it.  It seemed like a Friday of Darkness instead of what we now call Good Friday.

Death Was About to Die

Little did they know.  Jesus’ death on the cross had actually defeated the enemy and his curse of death.  Jesus’ spirit was descending into Paradise to lead to Heaven those who had died loving and serving God.  He was preparing to come back to reveal His victory over the grave.

On Sunday morning the ground shook.  The stone in front of His tomb rolled back.  Brilliant light flashed, and angels came to witness the grand occasion.  The soldiers guarding the tomb were so terrified that they fainted.  Jesus was alive!  Death was defeated!  That was the day that death went into its own grave.  Darkness was overcome by the Light of the world.

What does this mean for you?

Moved From Eternal Death to Eternal Life

Jesus cleared the way for those who love and follow Him to live eternally.  Yes, physical bodies still die.  But if you have received Jesus Christ as your own Lord and Savior, you have the gift of eternal life.  If you have asked His forgiveness for sin, you are now set free from eternal death and punishment have been given new life.

Believers are made brand new from the inside out.  That new life begins the instant you commit your life to Jesus Christ.  This is a dramatic change from darkness into light.
Watch this intriguing video called “Death In His Grave” and think deeply about how Jesus overcame death itself through His own death and resurrection.

 

1 Corinthians 15:55   Oh death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Celebrate Good Friday by sharing this good news with a friend!