Apostles’ Creed (after being entombed) “He descended into hell”
“For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, in which he also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison.” (1 Peter 3:18-19)
The purpose for which Jesus descended into hell was not to be punished or to give condemned souls a second chance, but instead to proclaim His victory. Like an ancient king would travel through conquered territory to proclaim His victory to His new subjects or a driver takes a victory lap after a race, Jesus descends into hell to proclaim His victory by the cross over Satan (and his minions), sin, and death.
We like to think in process and procedure from Maundy Thursday to Good Friday to Saturday, often referred to as The Easter Vigil to Easter Sunday.
Jesus went to the place of hell as the Creed and 1 Peter proclaim, but no timeline is given, and we cannot assume that He stayed there all Saturday and then came back for Sunday. What we do know is that by Sunday those who came to the tomb found it empty and Jesus outside and alive.
Prayer
Jesus, I wonder and marvel at this whole week of the passion story on my behalf, may I live in Your glory and serve You while serving one another. In Your name. Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
