I HAVE CONQUERED THE GRAVE

I HAVE CONQUERED THE GRAVE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (KJV)
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Supporting Texts: John 11:25-26, Romans 6:9, Revelation 1:18, Hebrews 2:14-15, 2 Timothy 1:10

INTRODUCTION:
The grave has always been the final resting place for all mankind, a silent witness to the end of human strength. It is a place where dreams are buried, voices are silenced, and the body returns to dust. However, the resurrection of Jesus Christ changed the narrative forever. The grave lost its authority over those who believe in Him. The empty tomb is not just a historical fact; it is the eternal proclamation of victory over death.

When Jesus rose from the dead, He did not just prove His divinity; He secured our eternal triumph. His resurrection means we are no longer slaves to the fear of death. The grave is no longer a prison but a passage into glory for the believer. Through Christ, we have the assurance that physical death is not the end, and spiritual death has been defeated.

Every believer must live in the consciousness of this victory. To say “I have conquered the grave” is to affirm that nothing—neither death, nor hell, nor the devil—can hold you captive anymore. It is the declaration of a person who has passed from death unto life, and who walks daily in the power of Christ’s resurrection.

1. THE GRAVE IS DEFEATED THROUGH CHRIST
The grave could not hold Jesus, and it cannot hold those who are in Him.

a) Jesus holds the keys of death and the grave (Revelation 1:18)
The authority over death is now in the hands of the risen Christ.

b) Death has been swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54)
The resurrection renders the grave powerless against believers.

c) Christ’s resurrection guarantees ours (Romans 6:5)
If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him.

d) The believer’s life continues beyond the grave (John 11:25-26)
Eternal life begins now, not after death.

Biblical Example: Lazarus (John 11:38-44) — Jesus proved His power over the grave by calling Lazarus back to life after four days.

2. THE GRAVE CANNOT HOLD A MAN WALKING IN RESURRECTION POWER
Those who live in Christ’s victory live above the fear of death.

a) Freedom from the fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15)
Christ destroyed the one who had the power of death.

b) Sin’s power is broken (Romans 6:14)
The grave’s sting is sin, but Christ has removed it.

c) Living daily with eternity in view (Colossians 3:1-2)
We focus on things above, not earthly fears.

d) Our bodies will be transformed (Philippians 3:20-21)
The same power that raised Christ will glorify our bodies.

Biblical Example: Stephen (Acts 7:54-60) — He faced death fearlessly, seeing the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father.

3. THE GRAVE IS NOT YOUR DESTINATION BUT A TRANSITION
For believers, death is a doorway, not a dead end.

a) To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:8)
We step into the presence of God at death.

b) Our hope is anchored in the resurrection (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
We do not grieve like the world does.

c) The righteous have a glorious future (Psalm 49:15)
God will redeem our souls from the power of the grave.

d) Christ has abolished death (2 Timothy 1:10)
He has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

Biblical Example: Paul (Philippians 1:21-23) — He saw death as gain because it meant being with Christ.

4. HOW TO WALK IN YOUR VICTORY OVER THE GRAVE
Victory over the grave must be lived out daily in faith and holiness.

a) Be born again and remain in Christ (John 3:3, 1 John 5:11-12)
Eternal life begins with a relationship with Jesus.

b) Live in the power of the resurrection (Philippians 3:10)
Seek a daily encounter with the risen Christ.

c) Overcome sin and its grip (Romans 8:13)
Sin leads to spiritual death; holiness leads to life.

d) Speak words of victory (Proverbs 18:21)
Declare continually that you have conquered the grave.

Biblical Example: The early church (Acts 4:29-33) — They lived boldly, even under threat of death, because they knew the grave was conquered.

CONCLUSION:
The grave is no longer a place of defeat for the believer. In Christ, death has lost its sting and the grave has lost its victory. Your eternal destiny is secure, and your spirit will live forever with the Lord. This should birth in you an unshakable faith and fearless boldness in the face of life’s trials.

As you walk daily in this victory, remember that your testimony is not just for yourself but also a witness to the world that Jesus is alive. When you declare, “I have conquered the grave,” you proclaim the eternal triumph of Christ and the unbreakable hope of the gospel.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for giving me victory over death and the grave.
2. Lord Jesus, help me to live daily in the power of Your resurrection.
3. Every fear of death in my life, disappear in Jesus’ name.
4. Lord, strengthen me to live with eternity in view.
5. Every chain of sin holding me captive, break now in Jesus’ name.
6. Lord, make me a fearless witness of the gospel.
7. By Your power, I refuse every satanic grave prepared for me.
8. Let the power of the grave be broken in my family in Jesus’ name.
9. Lord, keep me holy and blameless till Your coming.
10. Father, let me finish my race with joy and enter into Your glory.

GOD’S WORD FOR YOU TODAY:
1. You will live and not die before your time.
2. The grave prepared for you will be empty.
3. Your life will be a testimony of resurrection power.
4. No weapon of death formed against you shall prosper.
5. You will enjoy long life and fulfil your destiny.
6. Death will never take you by surprise.
7. The voice of rejoicing will never depart from your home.
8. Every satanic plot to cut short your life is cancelled.
9. You will walk in divine health all your days.
10. Your end will be glorious and victorious in Christ.