 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law, but thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. A little later on he says, I am even now ready to be sacrificed, and the time of my dissolution is at hand. I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith. As for the rest, there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord, the just judge, will render