Did Jesus Descend to Hell?

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Did Jesus Descend to Hell?

The topic becomes apparent in Ephesians 4:9 (ESV), when Paul states, “In saying, ‘He ascended,’ what does it mean but that he had also descended into the lower regions, the earth?”  A full treatment of this theological controversy would be beyond the scope of the post.  However, here is a brief overview of the topic. 

Possible Biblical References:
Ephesians 4:8-9; Acts 2:27; Romans 10:6-7; 1 Peter 3:18-20; 1 Peter 4:4-6, Luke 16:19-31, and Psalm 16:10, 107:16; Zech. 9:11, Mat. 12:40, Luke 23:53

Apostles Creed:
The title for this creed can be a bit misleading since the Apostles did not write it.  Various scholars argue that the formation of this creed is a bit “murky” since it did not go through a church council process.  Nevertheless, it captures historical church positions on the topic.  It contains two different wordings concerning the topic.

“He descended to the dead” and “He descended into hell”.

https://www.rca.org/resources/apostles-creed

Here are some of the major views concerning Jesus descending:

The Hades View:
Jesus descended to the “paradise side” of Hades to announce his victory and release Old Testament saints that were unable to enter heaven until Christ completed his work on the cross.

The Incarnation View:
Jesus descended to earth through the incarnation.

The Pentecost View:
Jesus descended when he sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

The Grave View:
When Jesus died, he was simply buried in the earth or a tomb. 

Jesus’ Experience on the Cross:
John Calvin argued that Jesus’ descent is symbolic of the severity of God’s wrath that Jesus suffered to satisfy God’s just judgement (Institutes, 1.515).

Some Scholars for Jesus Descending to Hell:
Gary Gromacki, John MacArthur, Matthew Emerson, David Scaer, Polycarp, Justin Martyr

Some Scholars against Jesus Descending to Hell:
Wayne Grudem, Millard Erickson, Rudolf Bultman, John Calvin, R.E. Otto, Harold Hoehner, John Calvin

Notes:
It is important to note that all of these views could be considered orthodox.  There is room for believers to disagree on this topic of Christ descending.  The true question is what impact do these views have on the believer?  Matthew Emerson brings unity and clarity to the concept, “The common thread, here for those who affirm and those who deny the descent, is that in Jesus’ burial, he defeats the last enemy which is death (1 Cor. 15:26), and crushes Satan’s head. Death is swallowed up in death.” There is also encouragement found in these views.  The believer should not fear death or those that could kill (Mat. 10:28).  We have a mediator who has endured the same experience of death; one can follow in confidence, knowing that eternal life lies on the other side.  

Resources:
http://www.waynegrudem.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/he-did-not-descend-into-hell_JETS.pdf
https://www.etsjets.org/files/JETS-PDFs/61/61-3/JETS_61.3_513-523_Christian.pdf
https://equip.sbts.edu/publications/journals/journal-of-theology/he-descended-to-the-dead-the-burial-of-christ-and-the-eschatological-character-of-the-atonement/
Shelley, Bruce L. Church History in Plain Language. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2012. 
Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group, 2013.

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