TUESDAY October 25, 2022 

Christ Descended Into Hades

But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.” (Now this, “He ascended”—what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
Ephesians 4:7-10

When Jesus died on the Cross and descended into hades, think of the surprise and shock of many of those who were there. Jesus came to take the righteous to heaven. Imagine Jesus telling the saints of old with authority, “Get on your feet; we are leaving.” When they left with Him to paradise, from that day forward, hell became one massive place. All those left behind remain tormented in flames while awaiting the day of the White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). The demons must have gone crazy! 

During Jesus’ earthly ministry, the demons knew who He was. In Matthew 8:29, we find that demons, who were very violent, had possessed two men. The demons who possessed them asked Jesus: “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?” (Matthew 8:29). What time? Their judgment time! When Jesus died on the Cross, Satan and his demons mistakenly thought His death had defeated Him, but they were wrong! 

In the book of Revelation, there is a scene that focuses on an unopened scroll which, I believe, is the title deed of the earth. When Adam and Eve sinned, Satan took the title deed of the earth from them. In heaven, an angel called out for someone worthy to open the scroll. 

There was no one found in heaven or earth, yet one of the elders said: “Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals” (Revelation 5:5). After Jesus’ death and Resurrection, the glorified Christ stood victorious; He alone was worthy. Jesus, the Lamb of God, took the scroll back from Satan’s control. 

We can never make too much of Christ. He is worthy of all honor that we can give Him.
~J.C. Ryle~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!