“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:55-57)”

By Khalid Hanna Dally- 2nd Year Biblical Studies Student

Jesus, a righteous figure, faced a trial without succumbing to sin. Despite advocating for love and tolerance, He was rejected by His people for exposing their flaws and corruption, leading to His betrayal by Judas and denial by Peter. Subjected to humiliation by His own creation, Jesus was whipped, spat on, forced to carry a cross, stripped, nailed, and crucified among thieves before His resurrection on Sunday, triumphing over death and offering redemption. The cross, once a symbol of shame, transformed into a symbol of pride for believers. By sacrificing Himself, Christ absolved humanity of sin. “Erasing the record that stood against us with its legal demands. He set this aside, nailing it to the cross.” (Colossians 2:14.)

On the cross, we were freed from the bondage of sin as Christ came to liberate us and grant us freedom. His crucifixion offered humanity a chance to break free from sinful desires and the influence of Satan. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those oppressed” (Luke 4:18). Christ’s mission was to bring good news, release captives, restore sight to the blind, and free the oppressed.

The victory over Satan was achieved through the cross, where Christ defeated the accuser and protector of creation. Despite accusations, God, our heavenly Father, stands as our defender. Through the cross, we are adopted as children of God. “Who is to condemn? It is Christ who died, or rather, who was raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” (Romans 8:34). Christ’s sacrifice and intercession secure our salvation.

Eternal life was granted through the cross, overcoming the separation caused by sin. Christ’s resurrection conquered death, revealing that it is not the end but a passage to eternal life in His heavenly kingdom. Through the cross, God reopened the path to eternity for us. “Who is to condemn? It is Christ who died, or rather, who was raised, who is also at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” (Romans 8:34).