When Jesus Put Death to Death

When Jesus Put Death to Death: Finding Eternal Assurance in Christ
By Barry’s Bureau
Death is the one appointment we cannot reschedule, the one event every human will experience. It doesn’t matter how healthy, wealthy, or careful we are—death, the Bible says, is inevitable, universal, and rooted in the sin that entered the world in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). That reality can be sobering, even frightening. Yet for the believer, the story does not end there.
In his powerful message at PTP Branson 2025, Greg Dismuke reminded listeners that Jesus Christ has already put death to death. By His resurrection, Jesus has removed death’s ultimate power and given His followers a hope that redefines not just the way we face death, but the way we live every day.
The Problem We All Face
From the very first pages of Scripture, death appears as the inevitable consequence of sin. Adam and Eve’s disobedience introduced mortality into a world that was meant for eternal fellowship with God (Genesis 3:19). Ever since, history has echoed the refrain, “and he died” (Genesis 5), driving home the fact that no one—no matter their lifespan, health, or station—escapes death’s reach.
The Bible paints death as a formidable enemy. Ecclesiastes describes life as fleeting, “a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Hebrews tells us that “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). The Psalmist calls it “the valley of the shadow” (Psalm 23:4).
Two insatiable monsters—one that claims the body for the grave, and another (Hades) that seizes the soul—paint death as a relentless foe.
Christ’s Victory Over Death
Jesus didn’t just teach about life after death—He demonstrated it. Standing outside Lazarus’s tomb, He declared, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25). Days later, by rising from His own grave, He sealed death’s defeat forever.
Paul describes this victory in 2 Timothy 1:10 using the Greek word katargeo, meaning “to make idle, inoperative, or useless.” Through His resurrection, Jesus rendered death powerless over those who belong to Him.
Revelation 2:10-11 assures us that those who remain faithful will receive “the crown of life” and will not be hurt by the “second death.” Paul echoes this triumph when he writes, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26).
The Nature of Death’s Role
Death is, in one sense, the great equalizer. No matter how much we wish, hope, or plan, it is the only doorway from this life into eternity. Attempts to avoid it—whether through denial, distraction, or even despair—cannot change the fact that every person must pass through it.
Yet for Christians, that door opens not to darkness, but to life. Revelation 20:14 describes the ultimate end of death itself: “Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire.”
Preparing for the Inevitable
If death is certain, preparation is essential. The Bible calls us to be ready—not just with practical affairs in order, but with hearts anchored in Christ. Ecclesiastes 12 portrays the aging process and the eventual “return of the spirit to God who gave it.” Paul, in Philippians 1:21-23, speaks of his “desire to depart and be with Christ,” seeing death not as loss but as gain.
Preparation involves removing our affections from this world and placing our obedience firmly in the hands of Jesus, the “author of eternal salvation” (Hebrews 5:9).
How This Changes the Way We Live

• Live with purpose – No longer driven by the anxiety of “running out of time,” we can focus on what matters eternally.
• Face trials with hope – Even in suffering, we know the worst this world can do is temporary.
• Love without fear – We can risk compassion, generosity, and vulnerability, knowing our reward is secure in heaven.
• Serve boldly – Following Christ may cost us comfort or even life itself, but death has already been defeated.

A Call to Reflection
Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Here are some practical ways to respond:

• Journal on a passage like 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 and reflect on how it shapes your perspective.
• Assess your priorities – Are your affections tied to earthly treasures or eternal rewards? (Matthew 6:19-21)
• Live with readiness – Keep short accounts with others, forgive quickly, and obey Christ daily.

Quotes Worth Remembering
“No matter how hard man tries, he cannot escape death, for death is the common denominator between all men.”
“Christ removed the fear of death, making death no longer an enigma or an enemy.”
“You can’t wish yourself out of here. No matter how dreamy you are, the only way is to die away.”
“Since death is the only exit from this life, then we must prepare for it.”
The Final Word
Death’s inevitability need not be a source of paralyzing fear. For those outside of Christ, it remains a grim enemy. But for those who are “in Christ,” it has been conquered—transformed from a prison sentence into a doorway to glory.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is not just a historical claim; it is the foundation of our hope. It tells us that sin’s curse has been broken, death has lost its sting, and eternal life is both a present possession and a future promise.
“Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? ... Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 15:54-57

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