Understanding the Descent Clause in the Apostles’ Creed
Introduction to Lord’s Day 16
This evening, we turn our attention to Lord’s Day 16, focusing on the meaning and necessity of the clause “He descended into hell” found in the Apostles’ Creed. Among the various theological statements in the creed, few have been as widely debated and misunderstood as this one. Our study will examine why this clause remains essential to Christian doctrine and how it benefits the believer.
Before diving into our discussion, let us look at Matthew 27:46:
“And about the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ that is, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’”
This cry from Christ on the cross is deeply connected to our understanding of His suffering, including what is meant by His descent into hell.
Exploring the Interpretations of the Descent Clause
Throughout church history, there have been several interpretations of what it means that Christ “descended into hell.” We will first look at some interpretations that must be rejected and then consider those that align with biblical teaching and the reformed confessional tradition.
Views That Must Be Rejected
Christ Went to Hell to Suffer More Than He Did on the Cross
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- Some claim that Christ went to hell to endure additional suffering beyond the cross. However, this view contradicts Christ’s own words in John 19:30, where He declares, “It is finished.” His atoning work was completed on the cross, making any further suffering unnecessary.
Christ Went to Hell to Offer a Second Chance to the Condemned
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- Another erroneous view suggests that Christ preached to the souls in hell to offer them a second chance for salvation. This contradicts Hebrews 9:27, which states, “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”
Christ Went to a Special Holding Place for Old Testament Believers
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- Some have argued that before His resurrection, Christ descended into a limbo-like place where Old Testament saints waited for redemption. However, Luke 23:43 refutes this notion when Jesus tells the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in Paradise.” The souls of the righteous go immediately into God’s presence upon death.
Christ Went to Hell to Proclaim Victory Over Satan and the Damned
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- While Christ’s resurrection is indeed a victory over Satan, the idea that He went to hell to make a proclamation to the damned is based on a misreading of 1 Peter 3:18-19. This passage refers to Christ’s Spirit preaching through Noah to the people of his day, not Christ descending to hell after His crucifixion.
Reformed Confessional Interpretations
Among reformed theologians, two primary views have been upheld concerning this clause:
The Literary Interpretive View (Burial and Dominion of Death)
- This interpretation sees “He descended into hell” as synonymous with Christ’s burial, emphasizing that He remained in the state of death until His resurrection.
- Westminster Larger Catechism, Q. 50 affirms this view, stating that Christ’s humiliation after death consisted in His burial and continuing under the power of death.
- Biblical support for this interpretation is found in Psalm 16:10 and Acts 2:27, where Peter explains that Christ was not abandoned to Sheol (the grave) but was raised to life.
The Symbolic View (Spiritual Agony of Hell on the Cross)
- This interpretation, upheld in the Heidelberg Catechism (Q. 44), asserts that Christ endured the torments of hell during His suffering, particularly on the cross.
- Christ’s cry of forsakenness in Matthew 27:46 is central to this understanding, signifying that He bore the full wrath of God against sin.
- Psalm 116:3 describes suffering in terms of the pangs of Sheol, illustrating the reality of Christ’s anguish.
Some theologians, such as Francis Turretin and Daniel Hyde, suggest that these two interpretations are not mutually exclusive but rather two sides of the same truth:
- As to His body, Christ remained in the grave under the power of death.
- As to His soul, He endured the full measure of divine wrath, suffering the agonies of hell on behalf of His people.
The Benefits of Confessing Christ’s Descent into Hell
Understanding this clause rightly brings great comfort and assurance to believers:
Christ’s Full Atonement
Because Christ suffered both in body and soul, He fully satisfied God’s justice. Believers can rest in the finished work of Christ, knowing that no punishment remains for them.
Victory Over Death and Hell
Since Christ bore the penalty of sin and conquered the grave, those united to Him will never experience God’s wrath in hell. Instead, they will be raised to eternal life with Him.
Comfort in Suffering
Christ understands the depths of human suffering. When believers endure trials, they can take solace in knowing their Savior has endured the worst of afflictions and is able to sympathize with them (Hebrews 4:15).
Assurance of Eternal Life
Christ’s descent ensures that believers will never descend into hell. Instead, they will be immediately received into the presence of God at death (2 Corinthians 5:8).
Hope in the Face of Death
Death has no final victory over those in Christ. As 1 Corinthians 15:55 declares, “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” Believers can face death with confidence, knowing that Christ has already gone before them and secured their eternal hope.
Conclusion
The clause “He descended into hell” remains a vital part of the Apostles’ Creed. While some argue for its removal due to misunderstanding, the reformed tradition affirms its necessity in expressing the full scope of Christ’s suffering, death, and victory.
As we confess this truth, may we rejoice in Christ’s triumph, take comfort in His atonement, and rest assured that because He endured the depths of suffering, we will never have to. Let us hold fast to our faith, knowing that our Redeemer has conquered sin, death, and hell on our behalf.
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