The harrowing of hell

[Tfbandie]

As I was read the inferno last night, I read in a footnote about the Harrowing of hell. I then remember the apostle's creed that we said in church yesterday, with the line about Christ descending into hell.

What exactly is the harrowing of hell, what did Jesus do, etc. and what is the scriptual basis for these beliefs?

[seer]

As I was read the inferno last night, I read in a footnote about the Harrowing of hell. I then remember the apostle's creed that we said in church yesterday, with the line about Christ descending into hell.

What exactly is the harrowing of hell, what did Jesus do, etc. and what is the scriptual basis for these beliefs?

There is nothing in Scripture about Jesus going into hell per-say. Some think that is what exactly happen though in 1 Peter 3:18-20, 4:6


Harrowing of Hell

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07143d.htm

[Amazing Rando]

As I was read the inferno last night, I read in a footnote about the Harrowing of hell. I then remember the apostle's creed that we said in church yesterday, with the line about Christ descending into hell.

What exactly is the harrowing of hell, what did Jesus do, etc. and what is the scriptual basis for these beliefs?

The best scripture that I can see that deals with Jesus "descending to the dead/hell" is Ephesians 4:

7But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8This is why it says:
"When he ascended on high,
he led captives in his train
and gave gifts to men." 9(What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

Ephesians hints that since Jesus ascended from the grave, he also "descended." Note the Old Testament quote about him "leading captives in his train"- the doctrine is that by descending into hell (or "the grave") and rising again, he freed those who were held captive by death.

Also see my thread on this very subject here (http://www.theologyweb.com/campus/showthread.php?t=52269) in Rando's First Exegesis.

[mickiel]

As I was read the inferno last night, I read in a footnote about the Harrowing of hell. I then remember the apostle's creed that we said in church yesterday, with the line about Christ descending into hell.

What exactly is the harrowing of hell, what did Jesus do, etc. and what is the scriptual basis for these beliefs?


There is really no scriptorial for the word hell to be in scripture at all. Translators added it in every place THEY thought it should be. And see how it has premated the minds interested in the bible. What you see happening within your mind now, at this very moment, is directly the reason why the word shouldnot be there. It causes more confusion than most other words in the bible. It is so fused in the christian mind, it cannot be removed. Most of them will die for hell to exist.

[furay]

One of the reasons the Forerunner (St John the Baptist) died soon before Christ did was so that he could prepare the way for Jesus in Hades as he did on earth. :smile:

[Tfbandie]

One of the reasons the Forerunner (St John the Baptist) died soon before Christ did was so that he could prepare the way for Jesus in Hades as he did on earth. :smile:

Interesting, where is this seen? Also what does it mean to prepare the way in hades? What exactly did Jesus do 'in the grave'?

[furay]

Interesting, where is this seen?
Most of the Church Father's teach this... I could go get some references, but you'll have to excuse me at the moment for I am feeling quite lazy. A google search will help you out, though. Sorry.

Also what does it mean to prepare the way in hades?
He let all the captive people in Hades know that Christ was coming.

What exactly did Jesus do 'in the grave'?
He preached the Gospel and then busted out all the Old Testament saints through His Resurrection.

[Tfbandie]

Most of the Church Father's teach this... I could go get some references, but you'll have to excuse me at the moment for I am feeling quite lazy. A google search will help you out, though. Sorry.

Cool, and no problem, stuff was eassy to find :smile:
He let all the captive people in Hades know that Christ was coming.
:doh: seems kinda obvious, silly me :lol:

He preached the Gospel and then busted out all the Old Testament saints through His Resurrection. Cool stuff, by saints you mean believers? or strictly Moses, abraham, etc?

[furay]

Cool stuff, by saints you mean believers? or strictly Moses, abraham, etc?
In this instance I mean all the believers. :smile:

[Tfbandie]

In this instance I mean all the believers. :smile:

I was pretty sure of it by context, just wanted to double check. Thanks for your responses!