“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.”
- 6-4 BC – 30 or 33 AD
- From Judea (present-day Israel/Palestine)
- Religious leader and evangelist
- Founder of Christianity, who had a major impact on religions and cultures around the world
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Quote
“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.”
Explanation
In this powerful declaration, Jesus affirms His victory over death and His eternal nature. The phrase “I am He who lives, and was dead” refers to Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection, underscoring the significance of His triumph over physical death. By saying, “behold, I am alive forevermore,” He emphasizes that His resurrection is not temporary; He lives eternally, signifying the eternal life He offers to all who believe in Him. The “keys of Hades and of Death” symbolize Jesus’ authority over death and the realm of the dead, showing that He has power over the forces of darkness and eternal separation from God. In saying that He holds the keys, Jesus declares His ability to grant or withhold life, thereby asserting His ultimate control over death and the afterlife.
Historically, this statement comes from the Book of Revelation, where Jesus speaks to the Apostle John, revealing His divine authority and eternal nature. The imagery of holding the keys of Hades and Death highlights Jesus’ victory over sin and death, which He achieved through His crucifixion and resurrection. This passage reassures believers of the hope of eternal life, as Jesus has conquered death and is the source of all life.
In modern contexts, this quote provides deep comfort and assurance to Christians, reminding them that death is not the end. Jesus’ victory over death means that believers too have hope beyond the grave. It also affirms His divine authority, encouraging trust in Him as the one who holds ultimate power over life and death. For example, in the face of personal loss or fear of mortality, this teaching offers solace, reinforcing the belief in resurrection and eternal life through Christ. It invites individuals to live in the confidence that Jesus, the eternal and risen Lord, has the power to grant everlasting life to those who follow Him.
