The grave carries some authority. It is a stark reminder of the temporal nature of life. We have witnessed loved ones succumb to its call. Its inevitability influences many decisions we make, from purchasing life insurance to going on diets and whatever we can to stay its arrival. Sometimes, death comes unexpectedly. All humans are subject to death. No matter how successful one is, death is expected to get the last laugh.
However, Jesus Christ, by virtue of his resurrection, has all authority in heaven and on earth – even over death! This ultimate authority is pictured by the phrase “I have the keys of Death and Hades” in Revelation 1:18.
The keys signify Christ’s power over the grave. They show us that death has an authority of it now, namely our Lord Jesus. They tell us that there is only One who can open the door to life for us. They display the satisfaction of God the Father handing all authority to his Son, the Living One. The Lord Jesus Christ holds the keys, and we can trust him to have the final victory over death and grant us access to life eternal with God. He is risen!
