The Apostles’ Creed is a familiar recitation in many churches, but the line “he descended into hell” often raises questions. Why did Jesus do this? Did he suffer there? Does the Bible support this claim? These queries have sparked debates among Christians, leading some to avoid or omit this phrase. Theologian Wayne Grudem even wrote an article opposing this concept in 1991. However, Matthew Emerson’s book, ‘He Descended to the Dead’: An Evangelical Theology of Holy Saturday, challenges the prevailing objections and argues for the importance of Christ’s descent.

Emerson addresses three key points in his book:

1. Clarifying the Meaning:
Contrary to misconceptions, the phrase “descended into hell” does not imply Jesus suffered torment in hell’s flames. Historical context reveals that until the Reformation, this phrase was synonymous with “descended to the dead.” Hence, modern evangelicals need not choose between discomfort and silence. A more accurate interpretation might be “he descended to the dead,” allowing for a clearer confession of faith.

“Understanding Christ’s descent allows believers to draw comfort from the fact that Jesus experienced death in its fullness.”

2. Rejecting Misconceptions:
Emerson refutes the notion that Christ’s descent involved him suffering hell’s torments on the cross. While John Calvin held this view, it lacks historical precedence and disrupts the creed’s narrative sequence. Some even propose deleting the phrase. Emerson’s perspective is closer to the Westminster Larger Catechism and offers a nuanced understanding that aligns better with the creed’s context.

3. Dispelling Misinterpretations:
Christ’s descent does not entail granting a second chance for salvation after death or universal salvation. These ideas emerged later and lack biblical support. Emerson contends that Christ’s descent means that he experienced death as humans do, defeating death and the grave through his divinity. This understanding is rooted in biblical passages, including Luke 16:19–31, 23:43, and Acts 2:27, 31.

Emerson’s interpretation holds several implications:

1. Unity Through Understanding:
Emerson’s book aims to bridge the gap between differing views on Christ’s descent, encouraging dialogue and better comprehension among Christians. This unity could benefit church congregations that recite the Apostles’ Creed, fostering a deeper sense of shared belief.

“Hold your head high and confess the faith with joy. Because the one who experienced death for you is now ascended on high, and is even now preparing for his final descent.”

2. Providing Comfort in Death:
Understanding Christ’s descent allows believers to draw comfort from the fact that Jesus experienced death in its fullness. When facing mortality, knowing that Christ walked through the gates of Hades and returned with the keys offers solace and hope.

3. Enriching Theological Concepts:
Emerson’s exploration of Christ’s descent leads to insights into other theological concepts. These include the nature of cosmology, anthropology, and soteriology, all intertwined with this doctrine. Such connections enhance our understanding of the Christian faith’s intricacies.

In summary, Emerson’s book challenges common objections to Christ’s descent, offering a fresh perspective rooted in biblical and historical contexts. Reconsidering this doctrine can lead to greater unity within the Christian community, provide comfort in the face of mortality, and deepen our understanding of theological complexities. As believers engage with this interpretation, they can embrace a more comprehensive understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and triumph over death.