The Apostles' Creed - Lesson 8: He ascended into heaven, Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty

The Apostles' Creed

Lesson 8: He ascended into heaven, 

Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty

I believe in God, the Father, Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our lord;

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

Born of the virgin Mary,

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

Was crucified, dead and buried.

He descended into hell,

And on the third day he rose again;

He ascended into heaven,

Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty,

Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

The holy, catholic church,

The communion of saints,

The forgiveness of sins,

The resurrection of the body,

And the life everlasting.

Amen.

Mark 12:36 For David himself said in the Holy Spirit, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.”’

Matthew 23:12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?

Jesus we know, and He is on the throne.

[from the hymn “Peace, Perfect Peace” by Edward H. Bickersteth, Jr.]

The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is, using the Apostles' Creed, to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith and what it means to believe them. To state it simply, the goal is to teach what we believe and what it means to believe it.

The Apostles' Creed has three main sections. The second section concerns Jesus Christ, God's only son. In this lesson we will learn about the fifth part of this second section: “He ascended into heaven, Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty.”

Jesus Christ, God's only son, humbled himself, even to death on a cross (Philippians 2:8-9). For this reason, God highly exalted him. Jesus ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father.

Exalted. The prophets and apostles tell us over and over that Jesus is exalted above all earthly people and things and above all heavenly things. Angels, authorities and powers have been made subject to him. He needs only to wait until his enemies are made a footstool for his feet. Having seen his great humility in the previous sections of the creed, we now see his great exaltation. Christ suffered in his life on earth. He suffered the daily trials of life, and he suffered the shame and pain of the cross. Having endured to the end, he sat down at the right hand of God (Hebrews 12:2). Through the apostles he has then promised his people that if we endure, we will also reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12).

Complete. In creation, having finished his work, God rested on the seventh day. In the work of redemption, Jesus finished the work and sat down at the right hand of the Father. He need only offer himself once for all time (Hebrews 10:12). “It is finished” (John 19:30).

In heaven on our behalf. His work of redemption is finished. Yet he is now our great high priest (Hebrews 4:14). We have an advocate with the Father who intercedes on our behalf (1 John 2:1). From heaven he sent the Holy Spirit to God's children on earth, that we may have not just the example of a heavenly life, but the power to live it as well. In heaven, he is preparing a place for his disciples, that where he is, there they may be also.

What does it mean to believe this? Those who believe that Christ ascended to God's right hand will seek the things above, where Christ is, and not set their minds on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2). If we sin, we will not give up, but will repent and humbly confess our sin to God, knowing that Jesus Christ is standing before God on our behalf. We will hold fast to our confession (Hebrews 4:14). Believing this, we will follow in his steps, the path of humility, that we too may be exalted. Through the power of God given to us, believing this we will walk in his ways to the end, enduring, that we may reign with him. Jesus Christ is seated on the throne. He is in control. What shall we fear, though the waters roar and foam? Christ has ascended. All is well.

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Remind the children that we are using the Apostles' Creed to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith, that is, what we believe and what it means to believe it. Read through the Apostles' Creed with the children.

For the purpose of these lessons, we have broken the creed into twelve parts. Let the children know that today we will talk about the sixth part: ...He ascended into heaven, where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty.

Read Acts 1:1-14. This gives one account of Jesus ascending into heaven. You can ask the children a few questions about this story, such as: What did Jesus command his disciples to do? What were they supposed to wait for? How did Jesus ascend, or go up? What did the disciples think? What did the angels say?

Use Acts 7:54-60. This is the story of Stephen's death. Fill the children in briefly on who Stephen is and why he is being put to death and by whom. Then read to them this story in Acts. You could ask: Who did Stephen see? Do you think this encouraged him? What did the others do when he told them what he saw? Why do you think Stephen was so brave and merciful, even when he was being put to death? You can talk with the children about Jesus sitting on the throne, that he is in control, and so we do not need to be afraid.

If you have time, and feel that the children are able to understand, read and discuss with them a few of the additional verses that tell of Jesus and his work (or finished work) in heaven. For instance, Romans 8:34, about his intercession for us; Colossians 3:1-2, about seeking the things above; John 14:1-3, about his preparing a place for us with him; John 16:7, about him sending the Holy Spirit; etc.

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

Acts 1:1-14 [1] The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach, [2] until the day in which he was received up, after he had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. [3] To these he also showed himself alive after he suffered, by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking about God’s Kingdom. [4] Being assembled together with them, he commanded them, “Don’t depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me. [5] For John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” [6] Therefore when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?” [7] He said to them, “It isn’t for you to know times or seasons which the Father has set within his own authority. [8] But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth.” [9] When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. [10] While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing, [11] who also said, “You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky.” [12] Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. [13] When they had come in, they went up into the upper room, where they were staying; that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. [14] All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Acts 7:54-60 [54] Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. [55] But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, [56] and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” [57] But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at him with one accord. [58] They threw him out of the city, and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. [59] They stoned Stephen as he called out, saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” [60] He kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

More Stories and Examples:

Mark 16:19-20 [19] So then the Lord, after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. [20] They went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.

Luke 24:50-53 [50] He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. [51] While he blessed them, he withdrew from them, and was carried up into heaven. [52] They worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, [53] and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Other Verses:

HE ASCENDED, AND IS SEATED...

Psalm 2:1-12 [1] Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? [2] The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against his Anointed, saying, [3] “Let’s break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us.” [4] He who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Lord will have them in derision. [5] Then he will speak to them in his anger, and terrify them in his wrath: [6] “Yet I have set my King on my holy hill of Zion.” [7] I will tell of the decree. Yahweh said to me, “You are my son. Today I have become your father. [8] Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession. [9] You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” [10] Now therefore be wise, you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth. [11] Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling. [12] Give sincere homage to the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish on the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.

Psalm 47:5 God has gone up with a shout, Yahweh with the sound of a trumpet.

Psalm 68:18 You have ascended on high. You have led away captives. You have received gifts among men, yes, among the rebellious also, that Yah God might dwell there.

Matthew 26:62-68 [62] The high priest stood up, and said to him, “Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?” [63] But Jesus held his peace. The high priest answered him, “I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God.” [64] Jesus said to him, “You have said it. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of the sky.” [65] Then the high priest tore his clothing, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Behold, now you have heard his blasphemy. [66] What do you think?” They answered, “He is worthy of death!” [67] Then they spit in his face and beat him with their fists, and some slapped him, [68] saying, “Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who hit you?”

***[see also Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Luke 22:69]

Acts 2:32-36 [32] This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses. [33] Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear. [34] For David didn’t ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit by my right hand, [35] until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ [36] “Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

Acts 3:19-21 [19] “Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, [20] and that he may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before, [21] whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God spoke long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets.

Acts 5:30-32 [30] The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree. [31] God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. [32] We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Romans 8:31-34 [31] What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? [32] He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? [33] Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

[see also 1 John 2:1]

1 Corinthians 15:22-28 [22] For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. [23] But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ’s, at his coming. [24] Then the end comes, when he will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power. [25] For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. [26] The last enemy that will be abolished is death. [27] For, “He put all things in subjection under his feet.” But when he says, “All things are put in subjection”, it is evident that he is excepted who subjected all things to him. [28] When all things have been subjected to him, then the Son will also himself be subjected to him who subjected all things to him, that God may be all in all.

Ephesians 1:15-23 [15] For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you, and the love which you have toward all the saints, [16] don’t cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, [17] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him; [18] having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, [19] and what is the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of his might [20] which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, [21] far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come. [22] He put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things for the assembly, [23] which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.

Ephesians 4:7-16 [7] But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. [8] Therefore he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” [9] Now this, “He ascended”, what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things. [11] He gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers; [12] for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ; [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a full grown man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; [14] that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in craftiness, after the wiles of error; [15] but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into him, who is the head, Christ; [16] from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love. [see Psalm 68:18]

Philippians 2:5-11 [5] Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, [6] who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, [7] but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. [8] And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross. [9] Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name; [10] that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth, [11] and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Colossians 3:1-6 [1] If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. [2] Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. [3] For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. [5] Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; [6] for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

2 Timothy 2:11-13 [11] This saying is faithful: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him. [12] If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. [13] If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can’t deny himself.”

Hebrews 1:8-13 [8] But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom. [9] You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.” [10] And, “You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands. [11] They will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old like a garment does. [12] You will roll them up like a mantle, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years will not fail.” [13] But which of the angels has he told at any time, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?”

Hebrews 3:1-4 [1] God, having in the past spoken to the fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, [2] has at the end of these days spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom also he made the worlds. [3] His Son is the radiance of his glory, the very image of his substance, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purified us of our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high; [4] having become so much better than the angels, as he has inherited a more excellent name than they have.

Hebrews 4:14 Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession.

Hebrews 8:1-2 [1] Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a high priest, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, [2] a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.

Hebrews 9:24 For Christ hasn’t entered into holy places made with hands, which are representations of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;

Hebrews 10:11-17 [11] Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins, [12] but he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God; [13] from that time waiting until his enemies are made the footstool of his feet. [14] For by one offering he has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. [15] The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying, [16] “This is the covenant that I will make with them: ‘After those days,’ says the Lord, ‘I will put my laws on their heart, I will also write them on their mind;’” then he says, [17] “I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more.”

Hebrews 12:1-3 [1] Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider him who has endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, that you don’t grow weary, fainting in your souls.

1 Peter 3:21-22 [21] This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you—not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, [22] who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to him.

Revelation 3:21 He who overcomes, I will give to him to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Father on his throne.

PSALM 110

Psalm 110:1 Yahweh says to my Lord, “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet.”

Matthew 22:41-46 [41] Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question, [42] saying, “What do you think of the Christ? Whose son is he?” They said to him, “Of David.” [43] He said to them, “How then does David in the Spirit call him Lord, saying, [44] ‘The Lord said to my Lord, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’? [45] “If then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?” [46] No one was able to answer him a word, neither did any man dare ask him any more questions from that day forward.

[see also Mark 12:35-37; Luke 20:41-44]

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

John 3:13 No one has ascended into heaven, but he who descended out of heaven, the Son of Man, who is in heaven.

John 6:60-62 [60] Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?” [61] But Jesus knowing in himself that his disciples murmured at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble? [62] Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?

John 14:1-4 [1] “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. [2] In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. [3] If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. [4] Where I go, you know, and you know the way.”

John 16:5-11 [5] But now I am going to him who sent me, and none of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ [6] But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart. [7] Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. [8] When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; [9] about sin, because they don’t believe in me; [10] about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won’t see me any more; [11] about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged.

John 16:28-33 [28] I came from the Father, and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” [29] His disciples said to him, “Behold, now you speak plainly, and speak no figures of speech. [30] Now we know that you know all things, and don’t need for anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came from God.” [31] Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? [32] Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. [33] I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”

Ascending to the Father and overcoming the world seem to be connected. Enoch walked with God and did not die. Elijah was also taken by God and did not die. They were men who overcame the world, by walking with God in his ways.

John 20:16-17 [16] Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him, “Rabboni!” which is to say, “Teacher!” [17] Jesus said to her, “Don’t hold me, for I haven’t yet ascended to my Father; but go to my brothers, and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”

The Apostles' Creed - Lesson 7: He descended into hell, And on the third day he rose again

The Apostles' Creed

Lesson 7: He descended into hell, And on the third day he rose again

I believe in God, the Father, Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our lord;

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

Born of the virgin Mary,

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

Was crucified, dead and buried.

He descended into hell,

And on the third day he rose again;

He ascended into heaven,

Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty,

Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

The holy, catholic church,

The communion of saints,

The forgiveness of sins,

The resurrection of the body,

And the life everlasting.

Amen.

A Note regarding the statement, “He descended into hell.”

Christians agree with the plain scriptural statement “on the third day he rose again.” However, the previous statement, “He descended into hell,” while found in God's word (e.g. Psalm 16;10; 30:3; Ephesians 4:7-10), is not so simple. Disagreements have risen relating to the meaning, and even the value, of this statement.

Perhaps one cause of this is the word “hell.” In 21^st century English, “hell” is usually, and perhaps only, associated with the place of punishment for the wicked after death. This word has not always been limited to this specific definition. “Hell” has also been used to refer to the place of the dead, or the place of souls after death (both the good and the wicked, though separated in that place), or the lower regions. While some older English translations of the Bible use this word to refer to the place of the dead (see KJV Acts 2:27,31; Psalm 16:10; Jonah 2:2), most modern English translations use “hades” as the place for all the dead, and either do not use “hell” at all, or use it only to refer to the place of punishment for the wicked after death.

Perhaps another reason for dispute about this statement is that it is not plainly defined in scripture. Once we move past the word “hell,” it is not obvious at first glance to the reader of scripture what Jesus did in hell, and why he did it. This stage is not mentioned in the Gospel accounts, but only here and there in various books of the Bible.

As regards the disagreement or lack of clarity surrounding this statement in the Apostles' Creed, many seem to have responded by saying as little as possible about it. Some ignore it altogether in their use or teaching of the creed. I do not want to ignore it. Christians have considered this statement an important part of the faith for hundreds of years. On the other hand, I do not want it to overshadow the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. It is difficult to overstate the importance of the resurrection of Jesus. The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is in vain” (I Corinthians 15:14). I will try to keep thoughts on this statement (he descended into hell) in the creed simple and in keeping with what I believe is the plain meaning of scripture.

For those interested in looking further into the possible meanings of the statement, “He descended into hell,” I have add a few links to writings at the end of the “Apostles' Creed - Resources” page.

Hebrews 2:14-15 [14] Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, [15] and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Revelation 1:17-18 [17] When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last, [18] and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever more. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.

Romans 1:4 who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

HELL

1. The place or state of punishment for the wicked after death. Matt.10. Luke 12.

Sin is hell begun, as religion is heaven anticipated.

2. The place of the dead, or of souls after death; the lower regions, or the grave; called in Hebrew, sheol, and by the Greeks, hades. Ps. 16. Jon.2.

"hell." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2014. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/hell (16 December 2014).

The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is, using the Apostles' Creed, to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith and what it means to believe them. To state it simply, the goal is to teach what we believe and what it means to believe it.

The Apostles' Creed has three main sections. The second section concerns Jesus Christ, God's only son. In this lesson we will learn about the fourth part of this second section: “He descended into hell, And on the third day he rose again.”

He descended into hell. Between his death and resurrection on the third day, Jesus Christ descended to the place of the dead. The apostles recognized that this was spoken of by the holy men of the Old Testament (Acts 2:27; Psalm 16:10). He descended not as a victim, but as the savior of men. Through his death, he gained the victory over one who had the power of death, that is, the devil. Jesus, who once descended to the place of the dead, from which few returned at all, and no one returned for good (all those previously raised from the dead would die again), not only ascended from that place, but now sits at the right hand of the throne of God, holding the keys of death and hell (or hades).

Jesus suffered, was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell. On the third day, he rose again. The apostle Paul tells us that if this last thing was left out (i.e. the resurrection), if it hadn't really happened, our preaching and our faith would be vain, empty, meaningless, etc.

Prophesied. The resurrection was not an afterthought. The prophets of the Old Testament spoke of the Christ rising from the dead. He would rise on the third day. The apostles recorded five different occasions when Jesus himself prophesied about his coming death and resurrection. The apostle Paul, in proving the truth of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, among other proofs, stated that is was according to scripture.

Fulfilled. Jesus really did rise from the dead. He was and is as alive as (and more alive than) you and me. Though he did not show himself alive from the dead to everyone in the world, he did appear to many eyewitnesses, including to over 500 at once on one occasion.

The resurrection confirmed everything about Jesus. Jesus made many wonderful claims during the time before his death. He said he is the son of God, he said he is the resurrection and the life, and whoever believes in him, even if that person dies, yet they would live. Those claims would have died with Jesus had he stayed in the tomb. However, on the third day he rose again. No one came to the tomb and called him forth as Lazarus had been called forth (John 11). Just as he told his disciples (John 10:18), he rose from the dead by his own power. Jesus was powerfully declared and confirmed to be the son of God through the resurrection from the dead. He proved that he really is the resurrection and the life, and that if we believe in him, even if we die, yet he will make us live again.

What does it mean to believe this? Jesus' descent into hell (to the place of the dead) and his resurrection go together. Prior to the resurrection, the disciples were scattered, then gathered behind locked doors for fear of the Jews (John 20:19). After the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, they no longer feared man and what man could do to them, but boldly proclaimed the Good News of Jesus Christ. Believing he rose on the third day, we ought to trust God and fear him alone. Having believed in Christ's victory over death and his promise to those who follow in his steps, we are exhorted, “therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (I Corinthians 15:58).

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Remind the children that we are using the Apostles' Creed to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith, that is, what we believe and what it means to believe it. Read through the Apostles' Creed with the children.

For the purpose of these lessons, we have broken the creed into twelve parts. Let the children know that today we will talk about the fifth part: ...He descended into hell, And on the third day he rose again.

Use Mark 16:1-18. It gives the account of Jesus' resurrection. You can read this to the children, have the children read it to you, or have them tell you the story, or a mix of all three. As you go through the story, ask the children questions, such as: Soldiers were guarding the tomb (see Matthew 28:2-4,11-15) so that no one could steal the body of Jesus and claim he had risen from the dead. What happened to the soldiers? Whom were the women seeking? Why couldn't they find the one they were seeking? What did the angel say? Ask the children to remember and tell you the story of the two men (Mark 16:12-13) who met Jesus on the road (see Luke 24:13-35). How did the disciples respond when Mary and then the two men said they had seen Jesus? How did Jesus show to his disciples that he was really alive from the dead (see Luke 24:36-43), and not just a ghost or spirit?

If you have time, and the children are interested, you can give them a brief explanation of the statement, “He descended into hell.” Let them know that hell can mean a place of punishment for the dead, but that it can also mean a general place for all the dead. Jesus went there as the savior and rose again as the victor over death. He defeated death.

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

Mark 16:1-18

This is Mark's Gospel account of the resurrection of Jesus and his appearing to his disciples. Each of the four Gospel writers give an account of this.

More Stories and Examples:

Matthew 28:1-20

Luke 24:1-49

John 20:1-31; 21:1-25

These are the other three Gospel accounts of the resurrection of Jesus, and the time he spent with his disciples on earth between his resurrection and ascension.

1 Corinthians 15:1-58

This chapter in Paul's epistle is devoted to the subject of the resurrection of God's people, and includes in its arguments much concerning the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Other Verses:

HE DESCENDED INTO HELL

Job 38:17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the gates of the shadow of death?

Job 38:17 [AB] And do the gates of death open to you out of fear; and did the porters of hell quake when they saw you?

Psalm 16:9-10 [9] Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices. My body shall also dwell in safety. [10] For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.

Psalm 16:10 [KJV] For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. [see also Acts 2:27 KJV]

Psalm 30:3 Yahweh, you have brought up my soul from Sheol. You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

Psalm 68:18-22 [18] You have ascended on high. You have led away captives. You have received gifts among men, yes, among the rebellious also, that Yah God might dwell there. [19] Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burdens, even the God who is our salvation. Selah. [20] God is to us a God of deliverance. To Yahweh, the Lord, belongs escape from death. [21] But God will strike through the head of his enemies, the hairy scalp of such a one as still continues in his guiltiness. [22] The Lord said, “I will bring you again from Bashan, I will bring you again from the depths of the sea;

Matthew 12:38-41 [38] Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you.” [39] But he answered them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophet. [40] For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. [41] The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, someone greater than Jonah is here.

John 5:25 Most certainly, I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God’s voice; and those who hear will live.

Some say this was fulfilled by Christ descending to the place of the dead as the savior. He preached to the righteous dead the good news, and brought them out of the place of the dead.

Acts 2:22-32 [22] “Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in your midst, even as you yourselves know, [23] him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed; [24] whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it. [25] For David says concerning him, ‘I saw the Lord always before my face, For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. [26] Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope; [27] because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay. [28] You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.’ [29] “Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. [30] Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne, [31] he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay. [32] This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses.

Romans 10:6-9 [6] But the righteousness which is of faith says this, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down); [7] or, ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’ (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)” [8] But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart”; that is, the word of faith, which we preach: [9] that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Ephesians 4:7-10 [7] But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ. [8] Therefore he says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” [9] Now this, “He ascended”, what is it but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? [10] He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.

Hebrews 2:14-15 [14] Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, he also himself in the same way partook of the same, that through death he might bring to nothing him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, [15] and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

1 Peter 3:18-20 [18] Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; [19] in which he also went and preached to the spirits in prison, [20] who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noah, while the ship was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

1 Peter 4:4-6 [4] They think it is strange that you don’t run with them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming: [5] who will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. [6] For to this end the Good News was preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed as men in the flesh, but live as to God in the spirit.

Revelation 1:17-18 [17] When I saw him, I fell at his feet like a dead man. He laid his right hand on me, saying, “Don’t be afraid. I am the first and the last, [18] and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forever more. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.

Revelation 20:13-14 [13] The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works. [14] Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

RESURRECTION PROPHESIED

Hosea 6:2 After two days he will revive us. On the third day he will raise us up, and we will live before him.

Matthew 16:21 From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

Matthew 26:31-32 [31] Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ [32] But after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”

For other occasions in which Jesus spoke of his resurrection, see also Matthew 12:40; 17:9; 20:17-19.

Matthew 27:62-66 [62] Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate, [63] saying, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise again.’ [64] Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal him away, and tell the people, ‘He is risen from the dead;’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.” [65] Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.” [66] So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone.

Before his death and resurrection, Jesus taught his disciples that he would die and rise again on the third day. This teaching was clear enough and known enough that those who crucified Jesus knew of it and wanted to the tomb guarded because of this very prophecy of Jesus.

John 10:17-18 [17] Therefore the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. [18] No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Father.”

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 [3] For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

ON THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN

Acts 5:30-32 [30] The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging him on a tree. [31] God exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins. [32] We are His witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.”

Acts 10:34-43 [34] Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; [35] but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. [36] The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— [37] you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; [38] even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. [39] We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. [40] God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, [41] not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. [42] He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. [43] All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”

Romans 1:1-7 [1] Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, [2] which he promised before through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, [3] concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, [4] who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, [5] through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his name’s sake; [6] among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ; [7] to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 6:1-11 [1] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? [2] May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer? [3] Or don’t you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection; [6] knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin. [7] For he who has died has been freed from sin. [8] But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him; [9] knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no more has dominion over him! [10] For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God. [11] Thus consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 15:1-8 [1] Now I declare to you, brothers, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand, [2] by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. [3] For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. [6] Then he appeared to over five hundred brothers at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, [8] and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also.

THE RESURRECTION AND PROMISES

John 11:25-26 [25] Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will still live, even if he dies. [26] Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead demonstrate that these are not empty words, but that they are truth and backed up by the power of almighty God.

1 Corinthians 15:17-23 [17] If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins. [18] Then they also who are fallen asleep in Christ have perished. [19] If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable. [20] But now Christ has been raised from the dead. He became the first fruits of those who are asleep. [21] For since death came by man, the resurrection of the dead also came by man. [22] For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. [23] But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ’s, at his coming.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 [13] But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

2 Timothy 2:8-13 [8] Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my Good News, [9] in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained. [10] Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. [11] This saying is faithful: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him. [12] If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. [13] If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can’t deny himself.”

1 Peter 1:3-5 [3] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy became our father again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, [4] to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn’t fade away, reserved in Heaven for you, [5] who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

God's people have a real and living hope because Jesus Christ rose from the dead. It is not an empty or false hope. We have a real, legitimate and rational hope to rise from the dead to life if we follow Jesus, because he first rose from the dead himself.

The Apostles' Creed - Lesson 6: Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead and buried

The Apostles' Creed

Lesson 6: Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead and buried

I believe in God, the Father, Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our lord;

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

Born of the virgin Mary,

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

Was crucified, dead and buried.

He descended into hell,

And on the third day he rose again;

He ascended into heaven,

Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty,

Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

The holy, catholic church,

The communion of saints,

The forgiveness of sins,

The resurrection of the body,

And the life everlasting.

Amen.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 [3] For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

2 Corinthians 5:15 He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again.

The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is, using the Apostles' Creed, to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith and what it means to believe them. To state it simply, the goal is to teach what we believe and what it means to believe it.

The Apostles' Creed has three main sections. The second section concerns Jesus Christ, God's only son. In this lesson we will learn about the third part of this second section: “Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead and buried.”

Prophesied. Jesus died for our sins according to the scriptures. His death was not a terrible mistake. It was not an unforeseen tragedy. Jesus died by the plan and foreknowledge of God. God spoke of it in the garden to the serpent and through the clothes he provided to Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:15,21). He revealed the death of the Christ and even details surrounding his death through the prophets of the Old Testament, who lived long before Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Jesus expected and clearly spoke of his death (and resurrection) to his disciples more than once. Even Caiaphas, the high priest, no friend or follower of Jesus, prophesied of Jesus dying for our sakes.

Fact. The death (and resurrection) of Jesus is not a myth, fable, or cleverly devised tale (2 Peter 1:16). It is a real event that involved real people at a real time in history (Luke 1:1-4). The Christian faith is based on facts.

He died for our sins. Jesus died. The apostles testified to that fact with their lives. Why did Jesus suffer and die? Just as a coin has two sides, so the purpose of Jesus' death has two sides. On one side, we read that he died for our sins. The suffering and death we deserved as the fair punishment (or reward) for our sins, Jesus took upon himself in our place.

He died that we would turn from sin and live for him. This is the other side of the coin. Jesus called, and still calls, his disciples to follow him. In his suffering and death, he made it clear that we must die to our sin (repent, put off the old man) and live no longer for ourselves but for him instead. Jesus suffered and died. He taught that we must take up our cross daily and follow him if we would be his disciples.

What does it mean to believe this? Those who believe this will love (with heart and deed) both God and men, because God first loved us. Those who believe this will see and confess their sin to God, who gave his own son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Those who believe this will repent of their sins. They will leave the path of living for self, and follow the path of living to do the will of God in Christ Jesus. Can we rightly say that we believe Jesus died for our sins but we don't want to live for him? Or can we rightly say that we will live for Jesus but that we don't need anyone to die for our sins? Is not either one an offense to the crucified and risen savior and to the Father who sent him? May God grant us grace to say “I believe” with our whole heart and living.

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Remind the children that we are using the Apostles' Creed to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith, that is, what we believe and what it means to believe it. Read through the Apostles' Creed with the children.

For the purpose of these lessons, we have broken the creed into twelve parts. Let the children know that today we will talk about the fourth part: ...Suffered under Pontius Pilate, Was crucified, dead and buried.

Use Mark 15:1-47. It gives the account of Jesus' suffering, crucifixion, death and burial. You can read this to the children, have the children read it to you, or have them tell you the story, or a mix of all three. As you go through the story, ask the children questions, such as: Was Jesus' suffering and death a surprise to the disciples? Was it a surprise to Jesus? Why did Jesus die? Do you think it was an easy thing for God the Father to send his son to die on the cross? The questions are not plainly answered in this story, but the children will likely enjoy considering the questions and offering answers. You can guide them to consider that Jesus died for our sins, that he suffered what we deserve. Also, that he died so that we would no longer live for ourselves but for him instead. Ask the children if they can think of any way they could stop living for themselves and live for Jesus instead. Depending on the time, you may tell them that Jesus called us to follow him. Then ask them, based on the story in Mark 15, what does it mean to follow Jesus?

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

Mark 15:1-47

This is Mark's Gospel record of the Jesus suffering under Pontius Pilate, his crucifixion, death and burial. Each of the four Gospel writers gave an account of this story.

More Stories and Examples:

Matthew 27:1-66

This portion in Matthew, and the portions in Luke and John give accounts of Jesus suffering, death and burial.

Luke 23:1-56

John 18:28-40;19:1-42

Other Verses:

Acts 10:34-43 [34] Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; [35] but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. [36] The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— [37] you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; [38] even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. [39] We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. [40] God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, [41] not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. [42] He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. [43] All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”

Jesus' death and resurrection was a vital part of the message preached by Peter.

PROPHESIED

Psalm 22:1-24 [1] My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning? [2] My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don’t answer; in the night season, and am not silent. [3] But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel. [4] Our fathers trusted in you. They trusted, and you delivered them. [5] They cried to you, and were delivered. They trusted in you, and were not disappointed. [6] But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised by the people. [7] All those who see me mock me. They insult me with their lips. They shake their heads, saying, [8] “He trusts in Yahweh; let him deliver him. Let him rescue him, since he delights in him.” [9] But you brought me out of the womb. You made me trust at my mother’s breasts. [10] I was thrown on you from my mother’s womb. You are my God since my mother bore me. [11] Don’t be far from me, for trouble is near. For there is no one to help. [12] Many bulls have surrounded me. Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me. [13] They open their mouths wide against me, lions tearing prey and roaring. [14] I am poured out like water. All my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax; it is melted within me. [15] My strength is dried up like a potsherd. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have brought me into the dust of death. [16] For dogs have surrounded me. A company of evildoers have enclosed me. They have pierced my hands and feet. [17] I can count all of my bones. They look and stare at me. [18] They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing. [19] But don’t be far off, Yahweh. You are my help: hurry to help me. [20] Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog. [21] Save me from the lion’s mouth! Yes, from the horns of the wild oxen, you have answered me. [22] I will declare your name to my brothers. In the midst of the assembly, I will praise you. [23] You who fear Yahweh, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify him! Stand in awe of him, all you descendants of Israel! [24] For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, Neither has he hidden his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard.

This Psalm contains many clear prophecies fulfilled during Jesus' suffering and death on the cross. David lived about 1000 years before Jesus Christ.

Isaiah 53:1-12 [1] Who has believed our message? To whom has the arm of Yahweh been revealed? [2] For he grew up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. He has no good looks or majesty. When we see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him. [3] He was despised, and rejected by men; a man of suffering, and acquainted with disease. He was despised as one from whom men hide their face; and we didn’t respect him. [4] Surely he has borne our sickness, and carried our suffering; yet we considered him plagued, struck by God, and afflicted. [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray. Everyone has turned to his own way; and Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all. [7] He was oppressed, yet when he was afflicted he didn’t open his mouth. As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so he didn’t open his mouth. [8] He was taken away by oppression and judgment; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living and stricken for the disobedience of my people? [9] They made his grave with the wicked, and with a rich man in his death; although he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth. [10] Yet it pleased Yahweh to bruise him. He has caused him to suffer. When you make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed. He shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of Yahweh shall prosper in his hand. [11] After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light and be satisfied. My righteous servant will justify many by the knowledge of himself; and he will bear their iniquities. [12] Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the plunder with the strong; because he poured out his soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Isaiah the prophet lived about 700 years before the time of Jesus. This prophecy speaks of his suffering and death, and also the purpose of his death. He was pierced for our transgressions.

Matthew 16:21-26 [21] From that time, Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up. [22] Peter took him aside, and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you.” [23] But he turned, and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of men.” [24] Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. [25] For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. [26] For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and forfeits his life? Or what will a man give in exchange for his life? [see also Mark 8:34-36]

Jesus foretold his suffering, death and resurrection to his disciples. He continued further to say that we must follow the same path if we would rise again to eternal life.

Luke 24:25-26,45-47 [25] He said to them, “Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! [26] Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?” [45] Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. [46] He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, [47] and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

After his resurrection, Jesus opens the minds of his disciples to the scriptures which plainly told of his death and resurrection.

John 8:28-29 [28] Jesus therefore said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, I say these things. [29] He who sent me is with me. The Father hasn’t left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”

John 11:49-52 [49] But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, [50] nor do you consider that it is advantageous for us that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” [51] Now he didn’t say this of himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, [52] and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.

Acts 2:22-23 [22] “Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in your midst, even as you yourselves know, [23] him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;

Peter clearly taught that Jesus' death was not an unfortunate and unexpected incident. Rather, Jesus' suffering and death was long ago decided by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God.

DIED FOR OUR SINS

Isaiah 53:5-6 [5] But he was pierced for our transgressions. He was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on him; and by his wounds we are healed. [6] All we like sheep have gone astray. Everyone has turned to his own way; and Yahweh has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 [3] For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

1 Peter 2:18-25 [18] Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked. [19] For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God. [20] For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God. [21] For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow his steps, [22] who did not sin, “neither was deceit found in his mouth.” [23] Who, when he was cursed, didn’t curse back. When he suffered, didn’t threaten, but committed himself to him who judges righteously; [24] who his own self bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed. [25] For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Peter speaks of Christ's patience in suffering, and reminds us that we are called to follow his steps. The apostle also relates Jesus' dying for our sins and our living to righteousness, having died to our past life of sin.

1 John 2:2 And he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.

DIED THAT WE WOULD NO LONGER LIVE FOR OURSELVES BUT FOR HIM

John 12:24-26 [24] Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit. [25] He who loves his life will lose it. He who hates his life in this world will keep it to eternal life. [26] If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

Romans 6:1-11 [1] What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? [2] May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer? [3] Or don’t you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection; [6] knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin. [7] For he who has died has been freed from sin. [8] But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him; [9] knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no more has dominion over him! [10] For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God. [11] Thus consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:15 He died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who for their sakes died and rose again.

2 Timothy 2:8-13 [8] Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my Good News, [9] in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained. [10] Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. [11] This saying is faithful: “For if we died with him, we will also live with him. [12] If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we deny him, he also will deny us. [13] If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can’t deny himself.”

1 Peter 4:12-19 [12] Beloved, don’t be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you. [13] But because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of his glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy. [14] If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part he is blasphemed, but on your part he is glorified. [15] For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other men’s matters. [16] But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in this matter. [17] For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who don’t obey the Good News of God? [18] “If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?” [19] Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to him, as to a faithful Creator.

1 John 4:9-11 [9] By this God’s love was revealed in us, that God has sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. [10] In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. [11] Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another.