British theologian, Biblical scholar, and Pastor Emeritus of All Souls Church in London, UK, John R.W. Stott wrote in his book, The Cross of Christ, how Christ defeated death on the cross:
Jesus Christ has not only dethroned the devil but dealt with sin. In fact, it is by dealing with sin that he has dealt with death. For sin is the ‘sting’ of death, the main reason why death is painful and poisonous. It is sin which causes death, and which after death will bring the judgment. Hence our fear of it . . . Now that we are forgiven, death can harm us no longer. So the apostle [Paul] shouts defiantly: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”