First, he states that salvation by grace through Jesus Christ abolishes death. In common practice, the word abolish means to do away with. But that clearly cannot apply here. In the more literal translation, the term carries the sense to render idle or to make of no effect.

In the beginning, death fell upon all men as a judgment for sin. But for the believer in Christ, the cross and resurrection of Christ makes physical death of no effect and cancels spiritual death. For the child of God, death is no longer a trap door to hell and eternal damnation, but a gateway to life eternal with God. He has removed the sting of death and delivered the Christian from the second death.

Again, the Bible plainly verifies this truth. For we read in 1 Corinthians 15:54-57:

"So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. {55} O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? {56} The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. {57} But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Second, the Holy Spirit through Paul states in 2 Timothy 1.10 that salvation by grace through Jesus Christ revealed life and immortality. God's redemptive plan made it possible for sinners to become a partaker of His eternal life. In grace, God gives to His chosen people a supernatural quality and quantity of life. At the second birth, a new kind of life, God's life, comes to dwell within the children of God. That life brings immortality and everlasting existence with God.

In the book of Colossians, Paul reminded his friends of these very truths. Note his encouragement in Colossians 1:12-13:

"Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: {13} Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:"

In grace, God has indeed made great provision in Jesus Christ for His children.

Application of truth
I pray that the Holy Spirit has opened your eyes to see the doctrinal knowledge of salvation revealed in this passage. These truths of righteousness describe the character and nature of God as well as mankind. They define God's relationship with mankind and mankind's relationship with God.

They tell us what to avoid and what to adopt. It shows false doctrine and sinful practices. It gives instruction to believe that will mold the Christian's judgment to conform to the truth.

Where has the Holy Spirit identified your failure to apply these truths in your life? Have you failed to believe and to obey the truths presented in this passage? Whether caused by ignorance, rebellion, or self-satisfaction, the result is the same. Self-effort and self-righteousness glorify mankind. They deny the honor to God that He rightly deserves.

The convicting work of the Holy Spirit convinces you of your true condition before God. For the believer in Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit identifies the guilt of sin that grieves and quenches His work in your life. This sinfulness brings disapproval, reproof, and judgment for sin. It breaks the fellowship between the Father and His child.1 But, you can find forgiveness of sin through Jesus.2

As an unbeliever, the Spirit shows you the guilt of sin that confirms your lost, ruined condition which deserves God's eternal judgment. He identifies your helpless ness and your inability to save yourself. He has revealed God's grace and mercy in His provision in Jesus Christ for sinners. To you He says, "Repent and believe the gospel."3

I pray that you will reject the refuge of lies that keep you from faith and obedience. May God open your eyes to recognize His requirements upon your life. I pray that He will bring you to repentance and apply these truths in your life. May He bring a spiritual transformation to you today.

References

Isaiah 59.1-2; 1 John 1.6; 1 John 2.3-6
1 John 1.9; 1 John 2.1
Mark 1.15

Bibliography