“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“

And I have the keys of Hades and of Death

Hades claims the soul of the lost, and “Death” claims the body. When the immaterial part of humans (soul and spirit) leaves the body, it dies.

To have the keys of something means that Jesus has the right to enter the place where the keys fit. Jesus has authority over death and the place of the dead. Jesus possesses authority over the Christian’s death and resurrection.

“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14-15).

Peter does not have the keys of Heaven or Hades. It is a myth that Peter will meet us at the Pearly Gates. The Bible does not affirm this. It is a fairy tale. He is not the keeper of the Gate of Glory. Jesus is the keeper of the Gate. Only He can lock and unlock these doors.

Sins were covered but not purged before the cross. After the cross, Jesus vanquished sin completely. Old Testament sacrifices were I.O.U.s, but Jesus paid the full bill on the cross. That is what Jesus meant when He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). Jesus has the keys to Hades.

Hades is not Purgatory. There is no biblical basis for Purgatory anywhere in Scripture. It is a religious fabrication.

Jesus has the key to Death, as well. Jesus is sovereign over physical death (Hebrews 2:14-15). No one dies until Jesus says so. Nothing will keep us alive one second longer than Jesus’ decision to keep us alive.

Principle:

The Christian is more than his body.

Application:

We are not our bodies. We live in our bodies. Our soul never dies. It goes to either Hell or Heaven. Only the body dies. Every person, Christian or otherwise, will rise from the dead. Some will rise to damnation, and others will rise to eternal life.

“Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation” (John 5:28-29).

Either we go up, or we go down. Our bodies wait for one of two resurrections.

When Christians die, they go immediately into the presence of God (2 Corinthians 5:8). Jesus takes the sting out of death.

“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’

‘O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?’” (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).

Non-Christians have no hope. Their only future from their viewpoint is a bleak, barren terminus of existence in some dank, cold and clammy grave. Jesus takes the sting out of hopelessness.

At the end of life’s long day, you will not say, “Oh, I am glad I belonged to the right political party.” “I am glad I joined the Masons or the Knights.” “I am glad I earned at least $70,000 a year.” No, these things will become irrelevant when you meet the Lord Jesus.

Are you placing your confidence in religion? I hope you do not do that. The only person who has the authority of Heaven and Hell is Jesus. Place your confidence in Him.