02.74. Sin, Satan, Death and Hell Destroyed

74. SIN, SATAN, DEATH AND HELL DESTROYED.

"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 2:14-15). "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8). The Revelator saw the work accomplished.

"Death and Hell were cast into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:14). This denotes their destruction. Paul declares:

"The last enemy that shall be destroyed is Death" (1 Corinthians 15:26). The words "that" and "is" are supplied by the translators. The passage as Paul wrote it is "The last enemy shall be destroyed, Death." So whether we suppose he meant physical or moral death, it is to be destroyed, and all other enemies are to be destroyed previously. Death is the last. This is what caused the apostle to exclaim triumphantly:

"O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?" (1 Corinthians 15:55).

There is no sting, no victory. Then there is no sin. "The sting of death is sin," and Christ is victorious over sin and death, by accomplishing their destruction. These passages teach that Jesus became mortal to destroy man’s enemies, the devil, sin, and death, and that he succeeded in his great mission, leaving not an enemy of man in existence, when he had finished his work.

"O’er every foe victorious, He on his throne shall rest, From age to age more glorious - All blessing and all blest. The tide of time shall never His covenant remove, His name shall stand forever That name to us is Love."