Did Jesus descend into Hell (or Hades) while lying dead in the tomb? Christians differ on this question, though most, I would imagine, believe that Jesus did descend to Hades. The primary reason why this is held by so many is found in the Apostles Creed which says(in full):
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
the Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
the Maker of heaven and earth,
and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
born of the virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and buried;
He descended into hell.
The third day He arose again from the dead;
He ascended into heaven,
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Ghost;
the holy catholic church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting.Amen. -(emphasis mine)
the holy catholic church;
the communion of saints;
the forgiveness of sins;
the resurrection of the body;
and the life everlasting.Amen. -(emphasis mine)
The phrase he descended into hell has been believed by many Christians throughout the centuries and a number of New Testament passages are used to support this claim. I must admit that I am skeptical of this idea. For one, many of the verses used by proponents of this event are taken out of context and not understood correctly. Secondly, I wonder if people would come to this conclusion if it hadn't been for the influence of the Apostles Creed. Thirdly, Jesus told the thief on the cross that he would be with Jesus, today, in paradise. However, I am not totally against the idea. I must admit that theologian Wayne Grudem's work on the subject have been convincing and are influencing my approach to this subject. (Read his article Did Jesus Descend Into Hell? and also his Systematic Theology)
But my concern here is not over whether or not it actually happened (for that we can disagree) but in how the subject has been abused. In a recent article by Dr. Molly Marshall, president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary, she suggests that this event assures us a post-mortem opportunity to repent and turn to Christ. She writes:
Because faith comes by hearing fides ex auditu, the Gospel is preached even to those thought beyond the scope of Christ's redemption--the dead. The iconography of the church portrays a scene of liberation as forbears overcome corruptible death through Jesus. St. Ephrem the Syrian proclaims: "By death the Living One emptied Sheol. He tore it open and let entire throngs flee from it."
The only appropriate response is voicing the Alleulia that has fallen silent during Lent. Although we will experience death in the flesh we, like Jesus, will be made alive by the Spirit.
I would like the believe that I am misunderstanding her, but I fear that I am not. Many of her writings and teachings in the past hint or even explicitly say that she believes in postmortem evangelism (see her book, No Salvation Outside the Church).
Dr. Marshall's argument is centered around 1 Peter 3:18-19 and 4:6. 1 Peter 4:6 is especially important. Marshall provides the following translation:
For that is why the gospel was preached even to the dead, that though judged in the flesh like humanity, they might live in the spirit like God. -1 Peter 4:6
Marshall seems to interpret Peter's meaning of death as a reference to actual physical death rather than to spiritual death. But such an interpretation is unnecessary. Scripture is very clear that there is no opportunity for salvation after death. Once persons pass away they are then delivered to judgment.
One of the major problems with postmortem salvation is what it says about our responsibility as ambassadors here and now. If everyone has an opportunity to reject Christ after death, then why should we be so focused on missions here? If even those who have never heard of Christ will be given the opportunity to accept or reject Christ, then what is the point in foreign missions? Are we just wasting our time in sharing the gospel with the world or even with our neighbors?
Furthermore, what is the point of preaching, theology, seminaries (of which Marshall is a president of one), or church if all will have the opportunity to repent following Christ? All of Christianity crumbles with this doctrine. If evangelism is not to be our focus, then why do we have seminaries? What is the point of churches and fellowship apart from tackling social issues like poverty and war?
Marshall's theology should concern us all especially for the pastors and Christian leaders under her leadership for the past several decades. Marshall is a baptist (though no longer a Southern Baptist) who has taught in seminaries for decades. Her theology is unorthodox and this is not the only issue in which she threatens the faith once for all delivered to the saints.
The heart issue here is the gospel and nothing else. If we proclaim a message that says that one can repent after death than are encouraging godliness here and now or worldliness? Marshall, whatever her motives, is promoting a theology that undermines the gospel in her fear of presenting a wrathful God unfit for postmodern times. Whether it be Easter where we focus on the death and resurrection of Christ or just another day, let us boldly proclaim the gospel. Yes we may disagree over issues like the descend of Christ into Hades, but let us not confuse the gospel: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
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Wayne Grudem - Did Jesus Descend Into Hell?
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