Revelation 1:18—“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

This verse records Jesus Christ's self-revelation, declaring His victory over death to a trembling apostle who had fallen at His feet as dead (v. 17). And what does the glorified Lord say? Not merely “Fear not”, but the reason fear must loosen its grip: “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, be we hold, I am alive for evermore.”

Here is the heart of the gospel in one sentence. Jesus is not a memory, not a martyr, not a religious symbol. He is the Living One. Yet He also says, with holy wonder, “and was dead”. The Son of God truly entered death, not as a defeated victim, but as a willing Substitute, to bring about ultimate victory for His people over sin and death. He went into the grave bearing the curse and satisfying divine justice for His people so that He might rise victorious on the third day.

Then comes the triumphant announcement: “I am alive for evermore”. He did not rise to die again; He rose in invincible life, never to be touched by death forever. Death is forever stripped of power over Him. He lives with an indestructible life, and therefore, His salvation cannot fail. The believer’s hope rests not in feelings, but in a living Christ who cannot die.

But Christ adds one more comfort: “and have the keys of hell and of death”. Keys speak of authority. Jesus does not merely survive death; He reigns over it, holding absolute authority over death itself and over the realm of the dead. Because Christ holds authority over death, death is no longer a master to terrify the believer, but a defeated servant under His command. Therefore, we face it not with despair, but with confidence in His saving power and promise. Hell cannot open its mouth without His permission. Death cannot claim one of His sheep apart from His sovereign will. And when death does come, it comes as a servant, not a tyrant, for it opens the door into Christ’s presence.

Therefore, when fears rise and the grave feels near, the Christian may answer with John’s “Amen”. The Lord who died for us lives for us and holds the keys forever.