“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.  Keys here denote authority.  Jesus’ death on the Cross was for OUR victory over sin and death, the Lord’s victory and authority was never in debate.  satan has authority over death BUT God has authority over satan…let’s not get this confused.  During the 3 days of Jesus’ death, the Lord with His keys (authority) led captivity captive (Eph. 4:8, Psalms 68:18).  That is, He led all of the saints, who had died from Abel to Christ and were being held captive by satan because the blood of bulls and goats could not take away their sin debt, into Glory.  The New Testament is the Old Testament revealed and the Old Testament is the New Testament concealed.  They both point to Jesus Christ and Him Crucified and never to satan having any keys (authority) over who enters heaven or hell.  Because of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified we TOO have authority over sin, death and hell. We don’t have to triumph but we walk in triumph in Jesus Christ.  We abide in Him through renewing our minds daily; renewing our minds that it was His finished work and not ours that has afforded us this triumph.    – Donna Warren