In Hebrews 2, we read, “14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. 16 For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of Abraham.” This passage tells us a great deal about how God purposed to save His people from their sins. The eternal God would become a man. Yet not altogether, but He sent His spirit (a part of Himself) into one of His creation, who would grow a human being. There is no way He could enter entirely into Mary’s womb, but He sent what was necessary to cause a child of His essence and character to be born: One who is verily man and verily Almighty God! So, the God-man did not have “the nature of angels,” but was through God’s miraculous design, “the seed of the woman” (Genesis 3:15), and still, the seed of Abraham: a man, but according to all the promises God had already made. Mary was, indeed, of the lineage of Abraham, but also, God’s promise to Abraham intended a specific seed: Jesus Christ. Paul made that crystal clear in Galatians 3:16, saying, “Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.” And so, Christ, the Word of God, was made flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)
Further, Christ was sent for the intent purpose of conquering and destroying Satan and saving God’s chosen people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) This would not be by weapons of war, but by being a fit sacrifice for sin. That is why He had to be born the way God designed: so that He would be free of sin. He came to do God’s will and give His life a “ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) Thus, “through death” He destroyed him that had the power of death. But thankfully, it was “through death” and not just “by death.” If it had only been “by death,” He may have remained in the tomb. But thanks be to God, He arose! And, in so doing, He destroyed him that had the power of death. This truth was told to us by the Spirit through Isaiah, 700 years before Jesus’ birth, saying, “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.” And so, as Jesus said in Revelation, “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.” Death could not hold Him! He’s been there and arose victoriously over it! And, only He has the keys of (as the one who has authority over) hell and of death. Through death, brethren, He saved us from our sins. Elder Clayton Nowell
Further, Christ was sent for the intent purpose of conquering and destroying Satan and saving God’s chosen people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21) This would not be by weapons of war, but by being a fit sacrifice for sin. That is why He had to be born the way God designed: so that He would be free of sin. He came to do God’s will and give His life a “ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28) Thus, “through death” He destroyed him that had the power of death. But thankfully, it was “through death” and not just “by death.” If it had only been “by death,” He may have remained in the tomb. But thanks be to God, He arose! And, in so doing, He destroyed him that had the power of death. This truth was told to us by the Spirit through Isaiah, 700 years before Jesus’ birth, saying, “Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.” And so, as Jesus said in Revelation, “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.” Death could not hold Him! He’s been there and arose victoriously over it! And, only He has the keys of (as the one who has authority over) hell and of death. Through death, brethren, He saved us from our sins. Elder Clayton Nowell