“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)
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Last month, champions were crowned in various sports in the United States. Two had the opportunity to share that honor on the same day: The Oklahoma City Thunder won the NBA championship over the Indiana Pacers in a seven-game series, and the College World Series saw its 2025 champion, LSU, celebrate its victory over Coastal Carolina in a series sweep.
Five days earlier, the Florida Panthers won their second Stanley Cup in a row by beating the Edmonton Oilers in six games. And if you’re a diehard football fan, you know the United Football League held its championship game with the D.C. Defenders outscoring the Michigan Panthers, 58-34.
All these teams will cherish and savor the victory for years to come. They will remember the struggles, the teamwork, the individual achievements, but most of all they will know the championship is theirs through their victory.
In 1 Corinthians 15:57 (above), the apostle Paul tells us about another victory we can all have by no effort of our own. In fact, this victory requires no work at all. No heavy lifting, training, running sprints, or studying a playbook is involved. Paul states we can have victory over our sin and death through Jesus Christ. None of us can atone for our sin. There is nothing we can do to eradicate our guilt, no matter how many good deeds we do, how many stars we get, or how much money we give to charities or the church.
It is only through what Christ has done for us on the cross of Calvary, by paying the penalty for sins through His death. We are guaranteed eternal life through His resurrection from the grave three days later. Victory! But it is only by faith in Jesus Christ, confessing and repenting of our sins, and trusting Him for salvation that He gives us the victory.
Don’t feel you need to play a part in achieving this victory. There’s nothing you can do — Jesus did it all. It’s like you’re a bench player who never plays even a minute all year, or you’re on the sidelines due to injury — you still get that championship ring even though there was nothing you could do.
Championships are nice, but victory over sin and death is much better. Make sure you get your ring.
— Loring Schultz
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