1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thanksgiving is a religious holiday born out of want, sorrow and deep need. Thoise early Pilgrims who braved this new world had a deep faith in God and from that faith came our Thanksgiving holiday. There are many things we can thank God for and should thank Him for – as the song writer says, It will surprise what the Lord has done. We are told to give thanks when we make requests in prayer (Phil 4:6) and also to render thanks in and for all things (Eph 5:20; 1 Thes 5:18). But there are three notable gifts mentioned by Paul in his letters to the Corinthians in which he was led to use the particular phrase, “Thanks be unto God”.
Victory:
The first one is in the text which says that God has given us the victory thru Jesus Christ. There are many victories we could attach to this verse, but since it uses the definite article: the” victory, he is probably thinking of one thing in particular. The context of the verse also tells us that Paul is referring to the victory that we have thru Christ over death and the grave. This victory is one of two victories. From verses 51-53 he is speaking of our translation at the rapture of the church when our bodies will be transformed into a glorious body. He is also speaking of our resurrection from the dead if we should die before He returns for the church (1 Cor 15:40-44, 48-50). Death is no longer a threat to Christians, but simply a door way into His presence.
Triumphant life: 2 Cor 2:14
The first was victory over death, but this one proclaims victory in life. We are able to live a life of holiness while living in these fallen bodies (Eph 3:16-19; 1 Thes 4:3-4; Ro 6:14). Through the indwelling Spirit of Christ we are able to live above the world and its corruption (1 Pet 2:9).
The best gift 2 Cor 9:15
The best and greatest Gift is Christ Himself – “For God so loved . . .” The value of this gift is indescribable, invaluable and beyond imagination. In Christ is hide all the riches of God (1 Co 1:30; Eph 1:3-11; Ro 8:1).
Have a blessed and prosperous Thanksgiving.