Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Revelation

Revelation 
Day 
Day 12

"I have the keys of Hades and of Death"

Text: Revelation 1:18

TWO MORE MYSTERIES REVEALED

The Lord Jesus comforted and assured John as to who He was. He was as John knew Him, only He was more glorious than John could imagine. The majesty and glory of the Lord revealed and manifested is truly awesome and overwhelming!

“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. Write the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will take place after this. The mystery of the
seven stars which you saw in My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands which you saw are the seven churches.”
Revelation 1:18-20

1. A further revelation of the Lord Jesus.

a) The Lord is “He who lives”.

b) Once, the Lord was dead, killed by wicked people.

c) But behold, He is alive now and He will live forevermore. Truly, Amen to this glorious truth!

2. The divine keys.

a) The Lord Himself holds the divine key of Hades (the abode of the dead).

b) He also holds the key of Death.

c) To hold both keys in His hand reflects the Lord’s authority and power.

3. The mystery of the seven stars.

a) The stars were the human angels of God.

b) The word “angel” means “a messenger”.

c) In this context, it is not a reference to an angelic being (Hebrews 1:14).

d) It is a reference to the messenger of God in a local church, that is, the local pastor of the church.

4. The mystery of the seven golden lampstands.

a) The lampstand is a reference to the local church.

b) The Church was meant to be a lampstand.

i) The church is to reflect quality (“gold”).

ii) It is meant to give light.

iii) The church must be a light bearer in the dark and difficult world we live in.