Once Dead; Alive Forever

John's vision of the resurrected Christ is a vision of a divine figure. He is described in terms appropriate only to deity; he is "The First and the Last." Yet this glorified figure was once dead - thus displaying the mystery of the incarnation. This exalted one is seen in the midst of his Church - thus manifesting the intimate connection between Christ and his people. Jesus tells us to "Fear not" because he has passed through death and he is the mighty God in our midst. He has the keys of death and Hades, therefore we need not fear the future, the judgment, nor death.