“But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him” (Acts 2:24).

In this excerpt from Peter’s sermon on the day of Pentecost, the Resurrection is presented as God’s final victory over our greatest enemy—death. Paul wrote the Corinthian Church, saying, “The last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26).

The word translated “raised” in this verse was used in Classical Greek of the rising up of a champion. After the crucifixion of Jesus, when Satan had done his worst, God raised the Champion, Jesus, who promised us life. We have a divine Champion and He is all-powerful. Isaiah predicted this outcome. “He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears forever” (Isaiah 25:8).

What does the resurrection of Jesus mean to us? Can we defeat sin on our own? Our experiences tell us, “No.” But, God has raised up a Champion for us who did defeat sin. His name is Jesus. Can we overcome fear with our own willpower? We’ve proved that we can’t. But, God has raised up a Champion who has conquered fear. His name is Jesus. Can we destroy death by our own willpower? There’s an easy answer. We can’t. But, God has raised up a Champion who has already overcome death with life. His name is Jesus.