HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

A great painter has portrayed the victory of Death over Love. At an open door, Love is standing, his wings beaten back and broken against the doorposts, his bright young face turned upwards in unfathomable appeal and anguish, his arm raised to stop the tall white-sheeted figure, the Shadow feared of man. But Death moves forward — calmly, inexorably, remorselessly — scarcely so much as halting in his progress. Love cannot keep him from entering the home. Love cannot prevent him from fulfilling his dread mission there. It is a dreary victory, with which we are all familiar, and which each new day sees reiterated many times over.

But there is another victory — the victory of Love over Death. Thanks be to God, cries Paul, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. When, for Love’s sake, my Saviour suffered on the cross, He conquered Death and ended Death’s despotism and dominion! When I trust myself to Him, the last adversary is powerless to retain me in his grasp. When I pass over the River, it is with the Pilgrim’s watchword on my lips, “Farewell night! Welcome day!” My Lord has said that, where He is, I shall be with Him, and with all who have committed their souls to Him to guard and keep.

So there is one door which Love defies Death to enter — the door of the New Jerusalem, opened to me by my Redeemer’s pierced hand. The king of terrors has no foothold in the wide and shining realms of the King of Salvation. The strong man must confess himself foiled and outwitted — by One stronger than he.