From the Pulpit...
The Gates of Hades - Matt Postiff
It is good to remember that the point of the text is not about the strength of the gates of Hades or the residents inside of those gates. The point is that the church cannot be defeated by death. It is ultimately invincible because Christ is its head. This is like the nation of Israel: ultimately, it cannot be destroyed because of the promises of God. So too the church cannot be defeated or destroyed. Not even death can destroy the church. Communists may attempt to destroy it. And secularists. And atheists. And human governments. Persecutors may attempt to swallow it up. Nor indeed, will Satan and all of his demons, who work for that Hades-dominion, be able to conquer the church. Their efforts are in vain, because not even death itself—the most potent enemy—will destroy the church. Death will destroy those who come against the church, but not the church! If you want to boil it right down, here it is: the gates of Hades will not prevail against the church means “death will not overcome the church.” In the end, death cannot conquer the church. Here and now, the church will win some out of the broad way that leads to death and give them that same assurance and boldness and witness that we possess.