“He died, and was buried; He descended to hell”

This series walks through the Apostles Creed as a basic summary of our faith but also as a way to live our faith out with God in the world. Each weekend of this series will explore the biblical and theological roots of the Apostles Creed, while also providing specific spiritual practices and approaches to living out what we know as we ‘proclaim and embody’ the Creed in our daily lives.

This week focuses on the phrase, “He died, and was buried; He descended to hell.”

SERMON OUTLINE

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Historical account of the death and burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:45-61, Mark 15:33-47, Luke 23:44-56, John 19:28-42)

Why did Jesus have to die? (Colossians 1:21-22, Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:19-21)

• The nature and character of God — God is just and right, He must and will judge sin
• The nature of Man. — We have all sinned. We are in bondage, enemies of God, estranged
• The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23) — Death is an enemy that must be defeated
• Scripture foretold and was prophesied Jesus dying for us (Isaiah 53, John 1:29)
• Jesus died in our place — perfect sacrifice, atoned for our sins

What prompted God to save us from death by Jesus’ death?

• The love of God (John 3:16, Romans 5:8, 1 John 3:16)
• The grace of God (Romans 5:17, Ephesians 1:7-8, 2 Timothy 1:9, Hebrews 2:9)
• The mercy of God (Titus 3:5, 1 Peter 1:2-4, Ephesians 2: 1-9)

Jesus descended to hell/the dead (Psalm 16:8-11, Acts 2:22-25, Matthew 12:40)

• In ancient times, Latin term for Hell meant “place of the dead”
• Statement included to combat heresy of Apollinarianism
• Scriptures support the fact that Jesus descended to the place of the dead
• Jesus died and soul went to the place of the death victorious (1 Peter 3:18-21)
• Jesus is Lord of all including those who are dead (Philippians 2:5-11, Revelation 1:18)

Implications of Jesus’ death and the shed blood of Jesus

• We are justified (Romans 3:23-24, 5:9, Hebrews 9:28)
• We are cleansed/purified from all sin (1 John 1:7)
• We are redeemed/purchased (Revelation 1:5)
• We are forgiven (Ephesians 1:7, Matthew 26:28)
• We have peace with God (Colossians 1:20, Romans 5:9)

Our Response

• Believe in Jesus (John 3:16, Romans 10:9)
• Worship Jesus — Thank and praise him (Revelation 5:13, Hebrews 10:19)
• Be Baptized (Acts 2:38)
• Celebrate Communion (Luke 22:17-20, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26)

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Tell a story of someone who sacrificed for you (your parents, friends, coach, spouse, sibling, stranger).
2. This week we continue our series “Living the Creed” by exploring the statement from the Apostles’ Creed: “He died and was buried; he descended to hell/the dead.” Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word.
3. Read one of the gospels about the account of the death and burial of Jesus (Matthew 27:45-61, Mark 15:33-47, Luke 23:44-56, John 19:28-42). What strikes you about these passages?
4. Why did Jesus have to die? Man sinned (Romans 3:23). The wage of sin is death (Romans 6:23). The Scriptures foretold it (Isaiah 53). To satisfy the wrath of God (Romans 5:9).
5. What made Jesus come? The Love, Grace and Mercy of God. (John 3:16, Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:5-10, Titus 3:5).
6. Jesus died in our place. (1 Peter 3:18, Isaiah 53, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Romans 5:6-8)
7. What do we now enjoy because of the death of Jesus, and the shedding of his blood? (Romans 5:9-10, Revelation 1:5, 1 Peter 3:18, Ephesians 1:5, Ephesians 2:13)
8. Review Scriptures that seem to support that Jesus descended to Hell/the dead (Psalm 16:8-11, Matthew 12:40, Act 2:22-25, Romans 10:6-7, Philippians 2:5-11, 1 Peter 3:18-21). 9. What is one thing you learned through this study or sense God is speaking to you about your life and faith? If you’re in a small group, share that with one another. If you are on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week. Conclude your study in prayer.

DIG DEEPER

• Memorize Romans 5:8 and/or John 3:16.
• Draw, ink, or paint Romans 5:6-10 as a basis for prayer. Take time to talk with God as you depict the scene in your own way. What is God speaking to you?
• Listen to the recording of the songs, “I stand amazed in the presence” by Eastbrook Church, “Man of Sorrows” by Hillsong, and “How deep the father’s love for us” by Selah. Pray that the Lord will minister to you as you listen, ponder, and sing along.