The Apostles’ Creed declares Jesus descended into hell. But what exactly does this mean? The Bible doesn’t offer a clear-cut picture of hellfire and brimstone. Instead, there are cryptic verses hinting at Jesus’ journey into the realm of the dead. This article explores these verses and dives into the various interpretations of Jesus’ descent. We’ll investigate what it signifies for his victory over death and the hope it offers for humanity.
Many Christians are familiar with the belief that after Jesus died on the cross, he descended into Hell to set the captives free. This powerful and often overlooked aspect of Christ’s sacrifice is a profound demonstration of his victory over sin and death.
Bible Verses That Explain This Truth
Stories That Illustrate Jesus’ Triumph Over Hell
| Story | Reference |
|---|---|
| Jesus’ Temptation in the Wilderness | Matthew 4:1-11 |
| The Healing of the Demon-Possessed Man | Mark 5:1-20 |
| The Resurrection of Lazarus | John 11:1-44 |
These stories highlight Jesus’ power over demonic forces and death itself, foreshadowing his ultimate victory through his descent into Hell and his resurrection from the dead.
Overall, the belief that Jesus descended into Hell and set the captives free is a central tenet of Christian faith. It demonstrates the extent of God’s love and power to overcome evil and bring redemption to all who believe in him.
Jesus Went to Hell to Get the Keys Scripture Kjv
There is a belief among Christians that after Jesus died on the cross, he descended into hell to retrieve the keys of death and hell. This belief is supported by various Bible verses that emphasize Jesus’ victory over sin and death. Let’s take a look at some of these verses:
1. Revelation 1:18
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
2. Colossians 2:15
“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
3. Ephesians 4:8-10
“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)”
4. Acts 2:27
“Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.”
5. 1 Peter 3:18-19
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison;”
6. Romans 14:9
“For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.”
7. Hebrews 2:14-15
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”
8. Isaiah 22:22
“And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.”
9. Matthew 16:19
“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
10. Revelation 3:7
“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.”
These verses illustrate the power and authority that Jesus holds over death and hell. By descending into hell and retrieving the keys, Jesus demonstrated his victory over sin and death, offering salvation to all who believe in him.
What Did Jesus Do when He Descended Into Hell
1. Acts 2:31
“For he was not abandoned to the realm of the dead, nor did his body see decay.”
The Bible verse in Acts 2:31 suggests that Jesus did not remain in the realm of the dead, indicating that His time in hell was temporary.
2. 1 Peter 3:19-20
“After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built.”
This passage from 1 Peter explains that Jesus proclaimed victory over sin and death to the spirits who were in prison, likely referring to those in hell.
3. Colossians 2:15
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
Colossians 2:15 suggests that Jesus’ descent into hell was part of His victory over sin and evil, ultimately triumphing over the powers of darkness.
4. Ephesians 4:8-10
“When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people. (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)”
This passage in Ephesians 4 indicates that before Jesus ascended into heaven, He descended to the lower regions, likely referring to hell, to set free those held captive by sin.
5. Revelation 1:18
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
In Revelation 1:18, Jesus declares that He holds the keys to death and Hades, reinforcing His victory over hell and death.
While the Bible doesn’t provide a detailed account of Jesus’ actions during His descent into hell, these verses suggest that it was a significant part of His victory over sin and death, ultimately setting free those held captive by sin and evil.
Why Did Jesus Descend Into Hell for Three Days
Many Christians have wondered about the significance of Jesus descending into hell for three days after his crucifixion. The Bible provides some insights into this mysterious event, shedding light on its purpose and importance in the grand narrative of salvation.
Bible Verses
1. Ephesians 4:9
“When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men”
This verse suggests that Jesus descended into hell to release the souls of the righteous who were waiting for the Messiah to come and redeem them. By conquering death and sin, Jesus set free those who had been held captive by the power of the enemy.
2. 1 Peter 3:18-20
“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water.”
These verses affirm the idea that Jesus went to preach to the spirits in prison, implying that he went to hell to offer salvation to those who had not heard the gospel during their earthly lives.
3. Colossians 2:15
“And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
Jesus’ descent into hell can be seen as part of his victory over the powers of darkness, demonstrating his authority over sin, death, and the devil. By going to hell, Jesus asserted his dominion over the forces of evil.
4. Hebrews 2:14-15
“Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.”
This passage emphasizes that Jesus’ descent into hell was a crucial step in breaking the power of death and freeing humanity from bondage to sin and fear. Through his sacrifice, Jesus defeated the devil and liberated us from the fear of death.
5. Revelation 1:18
“I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Jesus’ descent into hell is linked to his possession of the keys of death and Hades, symbolizing his authority over the realm of the dead. By descending into hell, Jesus demonstrated his power to unlock the gates of Hades and release the captives held within.