“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” (Revelation 1:18).

A familiar American poem by Edgar Allan Poe has the haunting refrain “Quoth the Raven, ‘Nevermore.’” It deals with sadness, death, and forlornness. The reader is somehow left with the impression that death in the end may win. Conversely, our text, recorded long before by the apostle, contains a message of hope, triumph, eternal life, and joy.

The Spirit, in Scripture, is compared to “a bodily shape like a dove” (Luke 3:22). Jesus told His disciples that the same Spirit would “bring all things to (their) remembrance, whatsoever (He) said unto (them)” (John 14:26). John, “in the Spirit,” heard the words uttered by Jesus and recorded them.

The word of the fictitious raven need not prevail. Instead, the words of Jesus, written down by one inspired by the heavenly Dove, abound with truth. They echo throughout the corridors of time: “I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore . . .” (text verse).

Jesus, speaking to living people, once said, “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40). Mere earthly existence is not life, according to Jesus. Life is knowing the Father and the Son personally (John 17:3), and it is the Spirit who raises spiritually dead people to life.

The connecting link is faith. We must bow our hearts in repentance and faith, and pray: “Creator Jesus, you own me, but I’ve really messed up. I’m sorry. I need you to save me from sin, death, and hell. Only your blood shed for sinners on Calvary’s cross can wash me pure. Please be my Savior. I come to you for life and trust you alone to give me life for evermore. You said, ‘. . . him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out’ (John 6:37). I come to you, Jesus. Be my Lord—‘for evermore.’” PGH