Goodbye Death

Therefore, since the children share in flesh and blood, he likewise shared in their humanity, so that through death he could destroy the one who holds the power of death (that is, the devil),
15 and set free those who were held in slavery all their lives by their fear of death.
(Hebrews. 2:14-15 NET)

These verses of Hebrews follow a detailed exposition through the Scripture of how the Son is superior to angels. The author of the book claims He is God in essence, glory, power, actions, and as per the Word. As the second chapter begins, the theme focuses on salvation. Its greatness is unparalleled unless one is determined to deny it.

He has complete authority over all life because everything is created by Him. Here we have Jesus, in whom the glory of God stoops down to the fleshly form. Though the highest of the highest, God took the form of a weak form. His intention for it was to die. Why should He die? That is the most reasonable question to ask by any human.

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory,
8 which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians. 2:7-8 NKJ)

The devil didn’t have any idea that God would choose to die because he was full of pride. But God’s wisdom is revealed in His actions. He died to make death powerless. It wouldn’t have happened if Jesus had stayed dead. But He rose victorious from death, which means death inflicted by sin is rendered powerless. The devil lost his power over death and can no longer hold people captive.

That is the beautiful part of God’s power and character displayed in the saving work. He intends to set His children free. Those belong to Him, Christ Jesus made free and right. Now, His children are to be in communion with Him. This was His intention in creating man in His image.

The author of the book asks a question to the first-century Jewish Christians. This question is posed to people of every generation.

How shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? (Heb. 2:3 ESV)