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.