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Dear Arthur and Sandra:

In the Apostles Creed that we always read at baptisms, it says that Jesus descended into hell. Did Jesus really go to hell?

As far as Jesus going to hell, that's a question I've had for years also. I'm not sure if He did or not. My conclusion is that one thing is for sure: if He did go to hell, it was only to preach to the prisoners and demons of His triumph on the cross (1Peter3:19). It was definitely NOT because He had to suffer our punishment there. Jesus suffered and experienced hell on the cross when the Father forsook Him and unleashed His wrath on Him. When Jesus proclaimed "It is finished!" it meant that the atonement was paid in full. Nothing more was needed to be done. The Greek word for it was "te telestai" which was stamped on merchant receipts as a statement that a debt was paid in full. So, I'm not exactly sure if Jesus did go to hell but if He did as 1Peter seems to indicate, then it was only in a triumphant and proclaiming role. By the way, paradise, is heaven, and at least we know Jesus went there after His death and before His resurrection.

As far as creeds go, they serve as useful tools for the church to affirm basic and essential doctrine. The Apostles' Creed was written by the early church fathers (not by the apostles themselves) as a summary of the apostles teaching and as a succinct statement of essential theology. The Nicene Creed was formed by the Council of Nicea centuries later (I'm not sure which century off the top of my head - if I had to guess right now, I'd say the 11th), I believe again as a statement of essential faith.

Hope that helps.

Arthur

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