According to Christian doctrine, Jesus descended into hell (also called Hades or Sheol) after his crucifixion and before his resurrection. This belief, known as the Harrowing of Hell, is not explicitly stated in the Bible but is found in early Christian writings such as the Apostles’ Creed and the Gospel of Nicodemus. The question is; Why did Jesus go to hell?
The Bible does not explain why Jesus went to hell if that is what is meant by the phrase “descended to hell.” Different doctrines have interpreted the descent to hell in various ways according to their faith and beliefs, like the descent into hell theory that states that Jesus descended into the realm of the dead during the three days between his crucifixion and resurrection to proclaim the Good News of salvation to the souls of the righteous who had died before him, and the harrowing of hell theory that states Jesus descended into the realm of the dead to defeat Satan and rescue the souls of the righteous who had been held captive by him. It is important to note that choosing to believe that it is relevant depends on one’s personal understanding of the descent.
It’s important to mention that Jesus descending to hell or harrowing hell is not biblical but a Christian tradition. It’s not essential to Christian belief, and different Christian denominations have various interpretations. Read on for the other theories on the descent to hell and understanding why Jesus went to hell.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus descended to hell?
The Bible does not contain a specific account of Jesus descending to hell after his death on the cross. The concept of Jesus falling to hell is known as the “Harrowing of Hell” and is not found in the Bible but in extra-biblical texts such as the “Apostles Creed” and other early Christian writings. The New Testament describes Jesus’ death and resurrection but mentions no descent to hell.
Some biblical passages, such as Ephesians 4.9 and 1 Peter 3.19, have been interpreted by some Christians as referring to Jesus’ descent into the realm of the dead. Still, these passages do not explicitly state this, and the interpretation is not widely accepted among scholars.
Jesus’ descent to hell in the Apostle’s Creed
The Apostles’ Creed is a statement of Christian faith that many Christian denominations throughout history have used. The version of the creed that is most widely used today includes the following information: “He descended into hell.” This statement is believed by some Christians to refer to Jesus’ descent into the realm of the dead, also known as “hell,” after his death on the cross.
The belief is that Jesus went to the place of the dead to proclaim his victory over sin and death and to free the souls of the righteous who had died before his resurrection. However, it’s important to note that not all Christian denominations interpret this statement similarly, and some do not believe in it.
Why did Jesus descend to hell for 3 days?
Jesus descending to hell for three days is known as the “Harrowing of Hell” and is not found in the Bible but in the Christian tradition. The belief is that Jesus descended to the realm of the dead, also known as “hell,” to proclaim his victory over sin and death and to free the souls of the righteous who had died before his resurrection.
This belief is found in the Apostles’ Creed, a statement of Christian faith dating back to the 2nd century AD. However, it is essential to note that different Christian denominations interpret this belief differently, and some do not believe in it.
What did Jesus do in hell for 3 days?
There is no specific biblical passage that describes in detail what Jesus did during this time, but here are several theories;
- The Descent into Hell Theory: This theory states that Jesus descended into the realm of the dead during the three days between his crucifixion and resurrection to proclaim the Good News of salvation to the souls of the righteous who had died before him.
- The Harrowing of Hell Theory: Similar to the Descent into Hell theory, this theory states that Jesus descended into the realm of the dead to defeat Satan and rescue the souls of the righteous who had been held captive by him.
- The Spirituality of Death Theory: According to this theory, Jesus’ three days in the tomb were a spiritual journey of death and rebirth, representing the soul’s journey from death to new life.
- The Mystical Experience Theory: Some scholars suggest that Jesus’ three days in the tomb were a mystical experience in which he attained a deeper understanding of God and his mission on earth.
- The Allegory Theory: This theory posits that the story of Jesus’ three days in the tomb is not literal but rather an allegory or symbol for a more profound spiritual truth.
- The Non-historical Theory: This theory suggests that the story of Jesus’ three days in the tomb is a later addition to the gospel accounts and is not based on historical fact.
Why is it important for Christians to believe that Jesus descended to hell?
First, it emphasizes the power of Jesus over Satan and death. The doctrine of the Harrowing of Hell teaches that Jesus descended into the realm of the dead and defeated Satan, freeing the souls of the righteous who had died before his resurrection. This reinforces the belief that Jesus can overcome even the most powerful of forces and bring salvation to all people, regardless of when they lived.
Second, it provides a sense of hope for those who have lost loved ones. The belief that Jesus descended into hell and freed the souls of the righteous gives comfort to those who have lost loved ones, as it suggests that their loved ones are now in a state of eternal salvation.
Third, it highlights the universality of Jesus’ message. The doctrine of the Harrowing of Hell suggests that Jesus’ message of salvation is not limited to a specific time or place but is available to all people, past and present.
Fourth, it also shows that Jesus is not only the savior of the living but also the savior of the dead. It emphasizes that Jesus is the savior of all humanity, not just the people who lived during his time.
Finally, it helps to understand the significance of the resurrection of Jesus. The belief that Jesus descended into hell and defeated death before rising from the dead emphasizes the magnitude of the resurrection and the importance of the resurrection in the Christian faith.
Addressing the controversy of Jesus’ descent to hell
The concept of Jesus’ descent to hell, also known as the doctrine of the Harrowing of Hell, is controversial in Christianity. This doctrine holds that Jesus descended into hell after his death on the cross to proclaim victory over Satan and the demons and free the souls of the righteous who had died before his resurrection.
This doctrine is not found in the Bible but is mentioned in the Apostle’s Creed, which states, “He descended into Hell.” The concept of Jesus descending into hell is also mentioned in the New Testament, in the Epistle of Peter and the Epistle of Paul. However, these references are not explicit, and some biblical scholars argue that it may be a metaphor rather than a literal belief.
Some argue that the doctrine of the Harrowing of Hell is not supported by scripture and is not essential to the Christian faith. They say that Jesus’ death on the cross and resurrection was sufficient for the salvation of humanity and that there is no need for him to have descended into hell. Others argue that the doctrine is a way to explain the salvation of pre-Christian righteous souls and to emphasize the power of Jesus over Satan and death.
However, some argue that the doctrine of Jesus’ descent to hell is not biblical, but it’s a tradition that was added later on. It is also argued that this doctrine has its roots in ancient mythology and has no basis in the teachings of Jesus or the early Christian Church.
References
Why was Jesus in hell for 3 days?
Reasons for Jesus descent to hell
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
