Lion of Judah - Keys to Death and Hell

The Keys to Death and Hell came about nearly three and a half years after the painting of The Lion of Tribe of Judah. The Lion of the Tribe of Judah had launched a new phase of my life. Many interesting and exciting things had happened as a result of portraying Jesus as a lion. This image was starting to draw attention in a way that I could only dream about in the past. The Christian community was not only intrigued by this new view of Christ, but the door opened widely to non-believers who freely questioned this association, because it did not conform to their idea of religion which existed mainly for the week. I had no doubt that God was in control of my life and this painting. Almost daily, people and opportunities were coming into my life, which would help widen the circulation of my work and God's message.

It was then I realized that it was time to portray the Lion of Judah in a different way. Christ has many facets to His being. Each is more wonderful and complex than our mind could possibly begin to imagine. With this thought, I searched the Scriptures and asked God to show me the next image I was supposed to paint. He brought Revelation 1:18 to my attention. It states, "I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive forever and ever. And I hold the keys of death and hell."

What a challenge to take the meekness, quiet strength, and compassion of the Lion of Judah and transform it into the awesome powerfulness that even death and hell and all of the fears associated with it are obliterated by the name of Jesus.

As I worked at my easel, another message began to take shape in my mind as I studied the keys. It was the message of freedom. Every man that takes life's journey, no matter how long or short, has sinned. All sins are worthy of death even though our minds make distinctions of sin with varying degrees of justification according to feeling and circumstance. There is no justification that can be made by man that can override the debt. The only payment is death! God made a way. Jesus paid the penalty and offers the gift of freedom. The gift of release from death, hell, and eternal bondage, a gift which the human mind will never be able to comprehend. It is the ultimate experience that any being could ever be awarded.

With these thoughts in my mind, I was able to finish the painting. I hope when others view this image of Christ, they will see the power of God, but also the motivation for the sacrifice. The keys are placed in the foreground of the canvas. When you think of the love and the freedom, I think this is fitting.

William's God-given talent and technique has named him among today's top Christian artists. Barely in his thirties, this gifted painter captures the unique symbolism of Bible versus with amazing understanding and insight. Each of William's pieces is truly an inspired work of art. The gentle imagery of Christian themes is carried throughout his paintings as they capture the heritage of the Christian faith and the life and legacy of Jesus Christ.

William Hallmark is a Birmingham, Alabama native whose work is studied and appreciated throughout the United States. His art has been seen on the covers and pages of several Christian publications, and William has appeared on a number of radio and television programs, including the Christian Broadcasting Network's, The 700 Club.

The original works of this fine art collection have touched and inspired audiences across the country. Now fans can share these cherished Bible stories through an exciting new line of products featuring some of William Hallmark's most beautiful and beloved paintings.