1 Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. Note — I. WHAT DEATH THE APOSTLE HERE SPEAKS OF AND STYLES AN ENEMY. We may view this death with reference to — 1. The creature it divides. We live by the conjunction of soul and body, and the separation of them is death. 2. The state it puts an end to. We are here in a state of probation, wherein heaven is to be won or lost. Death ends this state. 3. What follows upon it (Ecclesiastes 12:7). II. WHAT KIND OF ENEMY IT IS. 1. A common enemy: common to young and old, rich and poor, saints and sinners. 2. A hidden enemy. We know that there is such an enemy; but know not when it will make its assault upon us. 3. An enemy we are always liable to. In the midst of life we are in death. 4. A most powerful and irresistible enemy. There is no defence against its stroke, nor way to escape or prevent it. 5. An authorised enemy. It comes by commission from heaven, and acts according to His order, in whose hand all our times are. 6. An inexorable enemy. No wealth can bribe, nor eloquence persuade, nor cries or entreaties move, nor holiness awe, or otherwise prevail with it to spare. 7. A formidable enemy. And it may be said to be so in regard of(1) Its forerunners, the sicknesses, pains, and wearisome restless days and nights that load it on. (2) What it is, and comes to do, and of what follows upon it. III. THE RANK DEATH HOLDS AMONG OUR ENEMIES. It is the last. This intimates 1. That there are others that we are not to overlook and be unconcerned about. A Christian's life is a continual warfare, and he is to finish the conflict by dying. 2. Whatever enemies go before it, death, to a believer, will be the last. After this the warfare will be over. IV. THAT IT IS TO BE DESTROYED. 1. The way of its destruction is to be by the resurrection. 2. Of this we are secured by Christ's death and resurrection, whereby He hath laid the foundation of His people's happiness, and hath obtained all power in heaven and earth to complete it. V. DEATH, AS IT IS TO BE DESTROYED, IS TO BE DESTROYED LAST. (D. Wilcox.) Parallel Verses KJV: The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. |
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