St. Mark's

WHY DID JESUS DESCEND INTO HELL?                                                   April, 2012

Some of you may be wondering: "Why is Pastor Fenker talking about Jesus' descent into hell? It has nothing to do with Easter."

Yes, it does! It has everything to do with Easter. St. Peter tells us: "He was put to death in the body, but MADE ALIVE by the Spirit, through whom He also went and preached to the spirits IN PRISON who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah" (1 Peter 3:18-19). 

As soon as Jesus came to life in the tomb on Easter morning, He went to hell to preach to those who were there.

At first glance, some of you may think that Jesus descended into hell to suffer for our sins. This is not the case. We hear Jesus cry out from the cross on Good Friday: "It is finished." All the bitter suffering and pain that had to be endured for our soul's salvation had been accomplished on the cross. Jesus would suffer no more.

We know that He "went and PREACHED to the spirits in prison." What did He preach? St. Paul tells us that He went there to proclaim His victory over the devil. "And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" (Colossians 2:15).

When Christ died on Calvary, the devil laughed because he thought he had triumphed. He isn't laughing any more. Christ has delivered us from the devil's power through His death and resurrection. Christ went to hell after He came back to life in the tomb to tell the devil: "You're done for, Your reign of terror is over!"

Like a conqueror in a war, Christ went directly to the "capitol city" of the one who was conquered and demanded an unconditional surrender. Christ's war with the devil was over and Christ went to tell the devil and all his followers that He had taken over. Please remember this every time you say in the Apostles' Creed: "He descended into hell."

When you think of Jesus' descent into hell, think of Easter. Think of His victory. Think of your victory. By His death, Jesus delivered you from sin. By His descent into hell, He crushed the devil's head. By His resurrection, He conquered death and gave you the guarantee of eternal life in heaven.

The Savior marches on...and so do you! "Because I live," Jesus says, "you also will live" (John 14:19).

Rejoicing in His victory,
Pastor William Fenker
 

For information on Special Holy Week Services, go to Worship tab and click Special Services.

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ST. MARK'S LUTHERAN CHURCH
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Worship Services ~ 8:00 am, 10:30 am, 6:00 pm
Family Bible Hour ~ 9:15 am