The Death of Death

Death, once the most feared of all enemies, has been utterly transformed by the death of Jesus Christ. For the child of God, death is no longer the dreadful unknown, the dark end of all things. It has lost its sting, because Christ has struck at the very heart of its power—defeating the devil himself.

Hebrews 2:14
“Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil.” (Hebrews 2:14, BSB)

The Christian’s hope is not anchored in wishful thinking but in the finished work of Calvary. There, the Son of God willingly embraced death, not as a victim, but as a victorious Redeemer. In doing so, He dismantled Satan’s authority over death. What once held terror now holds promise. What once meant separation now signals homecoming.

Living Close to the Cross

The more intimately we live in the shadow of the cross, the more confidence we gain as we approach the thought of death. When we ponder the love that led Christ to die for us, our fears melt away in the warmth of His grace. Death becomes not a banishment, but a return—a going home to the Father’s house, to the “many mansions” where loved ones in Christ already dwell (John 14:2).

The separation between this world and the next, between the saints on earth and the saints in glory, is far thinner than we often imagine. We think the voyage must be long and the waves turbulent. But Scripture reminds us: “We are confident, then, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8, BSB). The moment we depart this life, we arrive in His presence.

It is not unlike that stormy night on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples feared for their lives, but Jesus stood and said, “Peace, be still.” And “immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading” (John 6:21). So it is for every believer—the journey from death to eternal life is swift, safe, and certain. No soul in Christ is ever lost at sea.

A Ladder to Glory

Now, death is like Jacob’s ladder: its foot may be in a grave, but its top reaches into glory. The grave, once a prison, is now a portal. Death no longer speaks of loss but of gain, no longer of sorrow but of rest.

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their labors, for their deeds will follow them.” (Revelation 14:13, BSB)

The Spirit gives us the grace to face that hour not with dread, but with delight. Death is not the enemy it once was. Christ has stripped it of its curse, turned its weapon into a doorway, and now waits for us on the other side.

Hints for Preachers and Teachers

Illustrate the immediacy of being with the Lord after death by referencing 2 Corinthians 5:8 and the image of the boat on the stormy sea (John 6:21).
Apply the comfort of Christ’s victory over death to modern fears—terminal illness, aging, grief.
Contrast the world’s view of death with the biblical one. Use the “banishment vs. homecoming” language.
Explain Hebrews 2:14 in its full context, showing why Christ had to become like us in order to defeat death on our behalf.
Encourage believers to live close to the cross—how daily meditation on Christ’s death prepares us to die well.
Offer Hope to those grieving, showing that their loved ones in Christ are not far away but safely home.

Conclusion

What fear is left in death when Christ has destroyed its power? For the believer, death is not an end but a transition, not a punishment but a promise fulfilled. The grave is no longer a pit of despair but a threshold of glory. O child of God, rejoice! You are not far from home. Just a moment more, and the sails will catch the wind of eternity.

A Prayer

Lord Jesus, You who tasted death for me, thank You for conquering the grave and silencing the voice of fear. Give me grace to live close to Your cross, and when my hour comes, let me welcome it with peace and joy. May I see death not as loss, but as gain—not as exile, but as homecoming. Until then, strengthen my heart with the hope of glory. In Your victorious name, Amen.