“Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel”. Isaiah 7:14

Hundreds of years before He was born, the prophet Isaiah promised that the child born of the virgin would be called Immanuel, which is a Hebrew name meaning ‘God is with us’. Men today still search for God through their various faiths and philosophies. Some have even believed the folly that God is found within all of us!

In the Old Testament, God remained largely hidden from men but the New Testament opens with the birth of Christ and tells us that through Him God makes Himself known to men. A well-known verse in Psalm 19:1 says that,

“The heavens declare the glory of God”.

The sun, the moon and the stars are meant to impress us. They direct our attention away from ourselves and the world that we live in and show us there is someone greater, more powerful, more glorious than anyone we have known on earth. But the heavens are limited in what they can declare of God. How can we know what God thinks, or feels about us? John gives us the answer in his gospel:

“No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” John 1:18

The revelation of God in Christ is full and final. Everything that man can understand about God is made known in Christ. So that He could say ‘he that hath seen me hath seen the Father’ John 14:9

All that is in the Father’s heart was revealed during the life of Christ on earth. His love, His knowledge, His power, His sympathy, His holiness, His righteousness, His purpose and much more is made known to us as we retrace the footsteps of Christ from Bethlehem to Bethany.

The knowledge of God is never viewed in the Bible as an abstract academic thing. God has made Himself known in His Son so that we can evaluate ourselves against Him and learn that we are sinners who need salvation. To attend church, to sing carols, to exchange presents, to be kind to our family and friends at Christmas is to miss the point of Christ being born into the world. The true knowledge of God will lead us to salvation through His Son.

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him” 1 John 4:9

Christmas 2020 will be very different for most people for reasons that we don’t need to explain. Perhaps this year gives us all an opportunity to reflect on what Christmas is meant to celebrate – the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

The virgin birth is possibly the least understood Christian truth. Some religious leaders have said that it doesn’t matter how He came into the world, as long as He came. That is not true and undermines the Gospel message entirely.

Matthew’s Gospel opens with the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. The genealogy then tells us about the birth of 40 children. Each mention of 39 of those children uses the word ‘begat’.

Simply put, this word describes the natural way that children come into the world through an earthly mother and father. Life is passed from generation to generation, from parent to child. We all have the principle of life within us that began at our conception. But the tragic story of Adam’s race is that along with the life principle come the principles of sin and death. Every baby born into the world today has both those principles working already within them. The virgin birth of Jesus Christ was so very different!

When Matthew records the birth of the 40th child in the genealogy, he writes:

“And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of who was born Jesus, who is called the Christ”.  Matthew 1: 16

Do you see how the word ‘begat’ is missing? For the first time in this world’s history, a child was born who had an earthly mother but a heavenly Father. He did not derive his life from Joseph. He derived His life through the miraculous virgin birth whereby, ‘that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit’. This cannot be explained by science, medicine or theology. It has to be accepted by faith.

The virgin birth is such an important truth because Jesus, the child born, did not have the principles of sin and death within Him. God introduced to the world at Bethlehem a new kind of man – a holy, sinless man. There is no hope for Adam’s race. That is why God sent His Son to be our Saviour. God is forming a new race of men, headed by Christ. All who believe on Him as their Saviour will one day be free from sin and death.

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” 1 Corinthians 15: 22

The meaning of the resurrection of Christ is found in the doctrine of the New Testament.

This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.  Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. Acts 2: 32,33

And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. Acts 17: 30,31

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; but for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. Romans 4:22-25

Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Romans 6:9,10

Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 1 Corinthins 15:1-4

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23

For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again. 2 Corinthians 5: 14,15

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Ephesians 1:19-23

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Philippians 3:10,11

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. Colossians 3:1,2

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. 1 Peter 3:18

And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. Revelation 1:17,18

The historical fact of the resurrection presented in the four Gospels

The Gospel of Matthew

In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow: and for fear of him the keepers did shake, and became as dead men. And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus, which was crucified. He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. 1Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go into Galilee, and there shall they see me. Matthew 28:1-10

The Gospel of Mark

And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun. And they said among themselves, Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre? And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away: for it was very great. And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and they were affrighted. And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him. But go your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. 8 And they went out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they trembled and were amazed: neither said they any thing to any man; for they were afraid. Mark 16:1-8

The Gospel of Luke

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.  And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments: and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass. Luke 24:1-12

The Gospel of John

Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, and seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master. Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her. John 20:10-18

The meaning of the death of Christ is found in the doctrine of the New Testament.

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:  that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:14-16

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. John 12:32,33

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:6-8

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 1 Corinthians 1:18,19

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 2 Corinthians 5:20,21

Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,  who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:  and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. for through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Ephesians 2:16-18

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:  and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;  and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5-11

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:12-14

Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you. 1 Peter 1:18-20

In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 1 John 4:9,10

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; and hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth. Revelation 5:9,10

The historical fact of the Death of Christ presented in the Gospels

The Gospel of Matthew

And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull, they gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink. And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots. Matthew 27: 33-35

The Gospel of Mark

And they bring him unto the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, The place of a skull. And they gave him to drink wine mingled with myrrh: but he received it not. And when they had crucified him, they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.Mark 15: 22-29

The Gospel of Luke

And there were also two other, malefactors, led with him to be put to death. And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. And the people stood beholding. And the rulers also with them derided him, saying, He saved others; let him save himself, if he be Christ, the chosen of God. And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar, and saying, If thou be the king of the Jews, save thyself. And a superscription also was written over him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS. Luke 23 32-38

And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. Luke 23:39-43

The Gospel of John

After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst. Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced. John 19: 28-37

The book of Job in the Bible tells of the experience of a man who lost everything that men value over a few days. He lost his family, his business and his health. The book comprises mostly of conversations that Job had with his friends about the meaning of life. As we live in self-isolation, perhaps for months to come, it would be good if we started to ask some of Job’s questions. The Lord Jesus Christ is the answer to each of his questions.

Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Job 14:4

Job was thinking about ‘man born of a woman’ and the seeming impossibility of sinful parents producing a sinless child. At the heart of the modern world’s rejection of the gospel is the refusal to accept that ‘all have sinned and come short of the glory of God’. But when a man realises his sinful condition, he begins to search for someone different than himself to help him.

Answered by the Incarnation of Christ: “…therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God”. Luke 1:35

How should man be just with God? Job 9:2

Job considers what would happen if he stood in the court of heaven, and God questioned him about his life. He concluded that he would not be able to answer one of a thousand questions God could ask.  He began to realise that a guilty man cannot justify himself. God must justify the sinner, or he will be condemned forever.

Answered by the Death of Christ: “ But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him”. Romans 5: 8,9

If a man die, shall he live again? Job 14:4

In the days of his health and prosperity, he had perhaps given little thought to death.  But his thoughts turned to what lay beyond death. If a man dies, is it really all over? Is there hope beyond the grave? Is there another world, a better world than this?

Answered by the Resurrection of Christ: “Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die”. John 11:25,26

Oh, that I knew where I might find him! That I might come even to his seat! Job 23:3

As the conversations progressed, Job’s ambition to know God began to deepen! He longed for nearness to God, to be able to approach God’s throne. He wanted to stand before God no longer in fear but welcomed as a friend.

Answered by the Ascension of Christ: “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need”. Hebrews 4:14-16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”. John 3:16

 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life”. John 5:24

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation”. John 5:28-29

“Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die”. John 11:25

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also”. John 14:1-3

“For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better”. Philippians 1:21-23

 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation”. Hebrews 9:27-28

 “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death”. Revelation 1:18

“And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire”. Revelation 20:11-15

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away”. Revelation 21:1-4

Luke 12:13-31 – the words of Jesus Christ, the Son of God

And one of the company said unto him, Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him, Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?

And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods.

And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.

Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?

And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?

If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?

Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?

And seek not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither be ye of doubtful mind.

For all these things do the nations of the world seek after: and your Father knoweth that ye have need of these things.

But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.

The reality of death has been brought before us all over the last few weeks with the outbreak of the Coronavirus. It has gone from a taboo subject rarely discussed, to one that is uppermost in the minds of men and women. Solicitors across the country are reporting an increase in people making wills so that their affairs are in order. If you have been following the posts on this site, you will have read a few days ago that the Bible has much to say about the subject of death.

Death, as the Bible shows, is something that faces every one of us. Regardless of our age, health, circumstances in life or standing in society “death has passed upon all men for that all have sinned” Romans 5v12. But the Bible makes clear that death is only the beginning for us, when our life, like a vapour, has past and gone.

Job, a man of old, understood the fact that faces us all, “man dieth, and wasteth away… ”  He knew that death and the grave lie ahead for all. Yet Job’s understanding didn’t stop there. He asked “… yea man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?” Job 14v10.  Job was not referring to where an individual would be found in this earth, but in eternity. Where would that soul be? Where for the countless, never-ending time of eternity will they be?  The Bible makes clear that there are only two places for a soul to be for eternity – Hell for the unrepentant sinner, or  Heaven for the believer.

The world moves and lives for the moment as it cannot bear to face up to the reality of such solemn facts. They give rise to fear and trepidation in the face of what society describes as the ‘great unknown.’ Yet God’s word makes clear that eternity is to be faced by everyone. We cannot avoid it in any way. It is sure, and the facts about it are revealed in the Bible. And the Bible shows that men can face it with certainty and hope in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Read the words the apostle wrote to a group of Hebrew believers long ago, speaking of the Lord Jesus Christ:

“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Hebrews 2v14-15.

What a blessed hope for every believer, who has received forgiveness of sins and salvation from Him, that death can be faced in the calm assurance that He has died and He lives having defeated death’s power, removing all fear.

“For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive”. 1 Corinthians 15:22