"The proof of how real Jesus knew hell to beis that He came to earth to save us from it."
Peter Marshall
Keys of Hades and Death
And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, "Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death."
~ Revelation 1:17-18 (NKJV)
Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
~ John 14:6 (NKJV)
Thoughts on Jesus and His possession of the Keys of Hades and Death.
It seems interesting that in the same place Jesus tells His beloved apostle "do not be afraid," Jesus also reminds John that He holds the keys of Hades and Death. It might be compared to the judge in a human court declaring, "I hold the keys to the prison." To one being held in jail who has just been judged innocent, this is good news and relieves fear. To one who was walking free and has just been judged guilty, this is very bad news and induces fear.
Jesus taught that the devil is the father of lies and that He Himself is truth. He says He is the only way to the Father and life, holding the keys of Hades and Death. Therefore truth trumps lies, life trumps death, and Jesus trumps the devil. If this seems too obvious to be worthy of note, consider how often we evade truth with a lie, fear death while we possess life, or allow the devil's words to counter the Lord's.
The Person Who holds the keys of Hades and Death admits He was once subjected to Death, and Scripture indicates He visited Hades. Thus our Lord gained those keys by facing those enemies and wresting away their power. He can rightfully declare, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." (John 11:25-26) If we need not fear Death, what lesser power on earth should be able to intimidate us?
Lord Jesus Christ, Author of peace, let us ever remember that You hold the keys to the power we might most fear. As we face the massive numbers of deaths in Haiti, as we face the deaths of loved ones, keep us mindful that which side of the door we stand on makes all the difference between joy and sorrow.
Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2010, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
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Yes, I love this. With Christ in your heart, you are an immortal. He is the point of everything in our very existence.
ReplyDeleteAmen, such power in those keys my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anne ... :-)
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDeleteOur Lord Jesus Christ--even His name makes the powers of heaven and earth tremble. All glory and honor and praise be to Him, forever and ever!
ReplyDeleteThat people hit his extended hand away. That people don't run and grab for the keys he freely gives. I don't understand it. But I know I too have struggled to grasp just how powerful Jesus is and how much he knows and tries to protect us from.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
T. Anne, you continually have such a nice way of re-stating what I've said. "With Christ in your heart, you are an immortal." *sigh*
ReplyDeleteDenise, and WE are given the keys to the kingdom!
Russell, thank you for the support, here and on Twitter.
Natasa, : )
Gwen, AMEN!
Wendy, so true what you say about hitting His hand away. Brings to mind Psalm 2. He laughs!
We're doing an interesting study on Heaven right now. That scripture you mention about Jesus visiting Hades will be a good addition to our discussion.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed my hiatus from blog visits, but I also miss you. I need to soak up the Anne-ness. :-)
Aww, Rosslyn! It's always a blessing to know I've been missed. We short people have to look out for one another, eh?
ReplyDeleteI'm ALWAYS glad to add to a biblical discussion—if you hadn't guessed. ; )
Absolutely. I need this revelation deeper. It's too easily forgotten for me. Thanks for the great reminder, Anne.
ReplyDeleteJason, how much of life would not trouble us if we simply saw things from the Lord's perspective? *sigh* A little closer every day ...
ReplyDelete