The key of death!

(William Thoseby, "Foot-prints on the Sands of Time" 1869)

"It is appointed unto man once to die; but after death the judgment!" Hebrews 9:27

"I hold the keys of death and the grave!" Revelation 1:18

Christ has the key of death suspended at His belt!

None can enter among the immortals — until Christ has turned the key for him!
None can stay among the mortals — after that key has been turned upon him!

And as the key may be turned at any possible hour — how important it is that we should get ready and keep ready for its turning. We know not "what a day nor an hour may bring forth." There may be the sudden burst, the instant call, the midnight cry, "Behold, the Bridegroom comes!"

Both the sinner and the saint should remember that death comes unexpected, and the arrow is unseen which strikes through the heart!

"Prepare to meet your God!" Amos 4:12

"Like crowded forest trees we stand,
 And some are marked to fall;
 The axe will smite at God's command,
 And soon will smite us all!"