Judge of the Living and the Dead

Have you ever spoken to someone about death? They always believe, like most people, they will go to heaven. Even when they don’t believe or even know who Jesus is. Scripture tells us that we are to testify that Jesus Christ is the judge of the living and the dead. It’s because of His purchase we receive forgiveness of sins. Meaning, it is only by Jesus we are saved from sin, death, and hades (hell). In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Why? Because the Father appointed Jesus to be the judge of the living and the dead. We often see Satan depicted as the one ruling in hades over lost souls who didn’t get to heaven. But that is not what the Bible teaches. Satan (known by many names) deceives us by trying to demonstrate to us how powerful he is. Which I will attest he is powerful and not to be trifled with. But, and that’s a Big But! It’s not satan who rules over hades, It’s God! God is the creator of all things. It’s God who created satan, hades and death and all three will be thrown into the lake of fire for eternity. (Rev 20:10/20:14) It’s Jesus who conquered sin on the cross. It’s Jesus who has defeated death and hades and holds the keys setting the captives free. Have you been freed?