Tag: Revelation 1:17-18
The Keeper of the Keys!
Scripture reading for December 21: Revelation 1-3
Our goal has been to encounter Jesus in each book or letter and gain an understanding of Him that equips us to live out our faith in an authentic manner. The title “The Revelation of Jesus Christ” gives us an immediate understanding that this last book is all about Jesus Christ! It was written by John the beloved disciple while he was imprisoned on the island of Patmos. (Revelation 1:9) He was worshiping the Lord on a Sunday when he heard a voice speaking to him. Upon looking, he saw Jesus and heard Him speak to him a message that was to be written down for the churches that John served.
John describes the vision of Jesus in this first chapter of Revelation. Jesus appeared in such glory and power that John fell down as a dead man. (Revelation 1:17) We who are pentecostal might say that John was slain in the Spirit! Jesus touched John and spoke again. “Then He placed His right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17b-18)
John was imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. He and many others were suffering for their faith in Jesus. Some had already died, quite probably all the other disciples who walked with Jesus as John did. During this special worship time, Jesus came in visible form and then spoke words of faith and encouragement to his beloved apostle.
Jesus is the Keeper of the keys of death and Hades! Satan was not in control and neither was Rome! Human authorities and governments have no power except that granted by our Lord for His purposes. Even though death looks permanent to us, Jesus conquered death and Hades and rose from the dead. He took the keys from Satan and holds the key for our deliverance from there as well! By faith in Jesus Christ, we are freed from our sins and their power to hold us in Satan’s abode. Jesus was dead and now lives forever as the first fruits of them that will live forever! What encouragement this truth gives to us!
Christians rejoice that death has no power over us and the grave is not to be feared! Faith is the victory and we can rest assured without fear of what is to come! We know the One Who is alive forever and has the keys! He has unlocked death and Hades for us who believe on Him!
Jesus has the Keys!
Scripture reading for November 30th: Revelation 1
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Revelation 1:17-18 “When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
John, the disciple who Jesus loved, wrote the final book of our Bible. It is a revelation of Jesus Christ! As John was worshiping God while imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos, he was given a vision of Jesus Christ standing before Him in resurrection glory. This caused John to fall down as a dead man! Jesus put His hand on him and spoke to him in words of revelation and reassurance! As One who tasted death for all mankind, and now was risen victorious over death, Jesus told John that He now possessed the keys of death and Hades and was alive for ever and ever!
Observations for over-comers: The resurrected Christ hold our key over death and Hades and tells us not to fear anything! “But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever–yes, for ever and ever.” (Daniel 7:18)