Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 3; Psalm 85; Isaiah 85; Revelation 1
I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. (Revelation 1:18)
When Jesus revealed himself to John on the isle of Patmos he described himself in his risen glory. As he had earlier described himself to his disciples on the night he was betrayed he once again affirms that his is alive. Jesus not only is alive, but he is THE LIFE!
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)
This is a wonderful reminder to John and to us that Jesus is alive. He was dead. He really died on the cross in Jerusalem. He did not faint or swoon, he gave up the ghost and died. He did this for us! He did this to be the propitiation for our sins. He did this because he loves us. On the third day, he was raised from the dead. He is now alive forever. Here we have a summary of the gospel which is the power of God to salvation. The Living One died for us and conquered death by being raised from the dead.
Jesus has the keys of hell and of death. Keys unlock and lock things. Keys represent power and authority. An inmate wishes he had the keys but the jailer has the authority to open and shut! Jesus can open up death and send a person through that door whenever he wishes. Do you remember Ananias and Sapphira? The door of death swung wide open for them when they lied to the Holy Ghost! Jesus can also lock up death for a person so that even if they want to die they cannot until Jesus Christ permits.
And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. (Revelation 9:6)
He also has the keys to hell. Once locked up there, a person will only be permitted out for the judgment and transportation to the eternal lake of fire.
And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:13-15)
Jesus has the keys. Keys represent power and authority. What does the Living One say to us in regard to his having this power?
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20)
In Christ,
Rody
