The Cape of Good Hope used to be called the Cape of Despair, because those who sailed around it were never again heard from. Finally a brave sailor sailed around it and returned; and ever after it was called the Cape of Good Hope, the gateway to the East Indies.
Before the coming of the Savior, death might have been called the "Cape of Despair." Most of the world had no vision of the beyond. But when the Savior went down into death, and came back the mighty Victor over the grave, He brought life and immortality (incorruptibility) to light through the gospel. Now, for all who receive that Savior, death may well be called the Cape of Good Hope, the gateway to heaven.
"So when this corruptible shall have put
on incorruption, and this mortal shall
have put on immortality, then shall be
brought to pass the saying that is written,
Death is swallowed up in victory.
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.”