Have you ever considered the fact that had Jesus not come to earth as a human, He could have not died for our sins? It’s a simple statement, but one that people don’t give a lot of thought to.
In Heaven, Jesus could not have died. So there was simply one solution: He would have to come to Earth as flesh and blood.
“Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying.” – HEBREWS 2:14-15 (NLT)
There’s a couple of nuggets in this scripture that are important to note:
First, the reason Jesus had to become flesh and blood is because that’s what humanity is. This verse is clear that the only way Jesus could break the power of the devil was by dying as flesh and blood.
Secondly, the devil – at one time – had the power of death…but because of Jesus’ sacrifice, he no longer does.
Revelation 1:18 reminds us the words of Jesus: “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.”
“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: ‘Death is swallowed up in victory.’ ‘O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?’ The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 1 CORINTHIANS 15:54-47
Before Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross, the devil had the keys of death…but not now, thank God!
During the whole COVID issue, you’ve seen two groups of people: Those who are in fear and those who are unafraid. The pandemic has brought to the surface whether people have confidence in immortality or not.
At all times – but especially in situations where people are brought face-to-face with the prospect of physical death – it’s important for Christians to share the Good News about immortality through Jesus Christ. As 2 Corinthians 2:14 reminds us (NKJV), “God uses us to spread His knowledge everywhere like a sweet-smelling perfume.”
When the issue of death comes up, bring hope with you to them by sharing the victory over death won by Jesus. Become a messenger of hope and a messenger of freedom, even over the last enemy of mankind!
