The phrase “keys of death” appears in Revelation 1:18, where Jesus says to John, “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” This verse provides important insight into Jesus’ power over death and the afterlife.
In the ancient world, keys represented authority and control. If someone held the keys to a city, they could decide who could enter and who could leave. By saying He holds the “keys of death,” Jesus was claiming absolute authority over death and the realm of the dead. Jesus holds the power to allow entry into death and exit from it. No one passes into death or leaves it without going through Him.
More specifically, Jesus’ possession of the keys of death point to several important truths:
- Jesus has power over physical death. He can resurrect people from the dead, as He did with Lazarus (John 11:38-44). He also predicted and accomplished His own resurrection from the dead (Luke 18:31-33).
- Jesus has victory over spiritual death. By dying on the cross for sin and rising again, Jesus defeated death and opened the way for people to find eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). Whoever believes in Christ will spiritually pass from death into life (John 5:24).
- Jesus determines the eternal destiny of souls. He alone judges where the dead will spend eternity, whether in eternal life with God or separated from God (John 5:28-29). The book of life containing the names of God’s people is under His authority (Revelation 20:12-15).
- Jesus’ rule extends beyond earth into the realm of the dead. Jesus holds the keys not just to death but also to “Hades.” This refers to the realm of the dead, indicating Jesus has authority over spirits in the afterlife (1 Peter 3:18-20).
- Jesus will one day abolish death forever. At the final resurrection, death – the “last enemy” – will be destroyed, and Jesus will usher in a new kingdom of eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:26; Revelation 21:4).
In summary, Jesus’ possession of the keys of death demonstrates His lordship over both physical death and the afterlife. He controls who passes into death and who comes out of it. This is tremendously comforting for followers of Christ. Though we may pass through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4), we need not fear evil, for Jesus has authority over our final destiny. He died so that we may have eternal life with God. And He alone holds the keys unlocking the gates to that eternal kingdom for those who put their trust in Him.
The image of Jesus holding the keys of death is a powerful one. It shows that the risen Savior is now the rightful Lord over death, and all who hope in Him can look forward to resurrection and eternal life in His presence. This picture is one of comfort, hope, and triumph over death for all who call Jesus their Lord.
Some key Bible verses related to the keys of death include:
- John 11:25 – Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 – When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 2 Timothy 1:10 – [Jesus Christ] abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.
- Hebrews 2:14-15 – Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery.
- Revelation 20:13-14 – And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
Jesus’ possession of the keys of death provides hope for all believers that one day death itself will be no more. Though we may grieve those who pass from this life now, we can find comfort in knowing they are still under the reign of the loving Savior who has conquered the grave. And one day, when Christ returns, death will be swallowed up forever in His glorious victory.
The keys of death also remind us that our lives are ultimately in God’s hands. We do not need to fear death if we trust in Christ, for He holds our eternal destiny and will raise us up to new life. But this also means we should live each day on purpose, seeking to honor Christ with our lives while we still have breath. Our time here is limited, but even in the midst of our mortality, we can experience resurrection life as we walk by faith in the One who is the Resurrection and the Life.
In closing, though death has long devastated humanity with sorrow and loss, Jesus’ ownership of the keys of death means that it will not have the final say. Christ has overcome the grave, and for those who put their hope in Him, He promises eternal life beyond it. The keys represent Jesus’ authority and control over mortality and the afterlife, providing comfort and hope to all who trust in Him.
