Hebrews 2:14-18

“Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested” (Hebrews 2:14-18).

Comment:

I don't quite understand how surrendering to death "might destroy the one who has the power of death," and I think this confusion has been pervasive in traditional Christianity. It seems to me you'd be giving power to the devil by embracing the false idea of death. Jesus did not 'die for our sins.' He went through the illusion of death in order to teach us that it was an illusion, and that there was nothing to fear. It is fear of death that paralyzes us in our humanity, unable to comprehend our true, infinite, spiritual identities. We are, indeed, "held in slavery by the fear of death," and Jesus' ministry was intended to set us free. His God of infinite Love could never demand "a sacrifice of atonement"; that was not Jesus' purpose. He showed us that death is simply—to use a favorite phrase from Charles Fillmore—like "brushing away cobwebs." We are crucified many times as we become confused about our spiritual purpose, and it hurts every time. Nobody said this job of creating 'the kingdom of heaven' would be easy. But, because we are One with the divine, there is nothing to fear.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed