Topical Bible: Hell: The Place of Disembodied Spirits: Which Christ Visited

◄ Hell: The Place of Disembodied Spirits: Which Christ Visited ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Hell, in the context of Christian theology, is often understood as the abode of the disembodied spirits, a place of temporary holding for the souls of the dead. This concept is rooted in various scriptural references and has been a subject of theological exploration throughout Christian history. The term "Hell" is often used interchangeably with "Hades" in the New Testament, which is derived from the Hebrew "Sheol," indicating the realm of the dead.

Biblical References and Descriptions

In the Old Testament, Sheol is depicted as a shadowy place where the dead reside, regardless of their moral standing during life. It is described as a place of silence and forgetfulness (Psalm 88:12: "Will Your wonders be known in the darkness, or Your righteousness in the land of oblivion?"). The New Testament expands on this concept, particularly through the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles.

The New Testament introduces the Greek term "Hades," which aligns with the Hebrew "Sheol." In Luke 16:23 , Jesus tells the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, illustrating Hades as a place of torment for the unrighteous: "In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side."

Christ's Descent into Hell

One of the pivotal events concerning Hell in Christian theology is the descent of Christ into Hades. This event is referenced in the Apostles' Creed, which states that Jesus "descended into hell." The scriptural basis for this belief is found in passages such as 1 Peter 3:18-19 : "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the spirit, in which He also went and preached to the spirits in prison."

This passage suggests that after His crucifixion, Christ visited the realm of the dead, proclaiming victory over sin and death. The purpose of this visit is interpreted as a declaration of His triumph and the liberation of the righteous who had died before His resurrection.

Theological Interpretations

The visit of Christ to Hell has been interpreted in various ways within Christian theology. Some view it as a literal descent to liberate the souls of the righteous, while others see it as a metaphorical expression of His victory over death. Ephesians 4:9 supports the notion of descent: "What does 'He ascended' mean, except that He also descended to the lower parts of the earth?"

The concept of Hell as a temporary abode is further emphasized in Revelation 20:13-14 , where Hades is described as giving up the dead for final judgment: "The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire."

Conclusion

The understanding of Hell as the place of disembodied spirits, which Christ visited, is deeply embedded in Christian doctrine. It reflects the belief in Christ's redemptive work and His authority over life and death. The scriptural references and theological interpretations provide a framework for understanding this complex and profound aspect of Christian eschatology.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 23:43
And Jesus said to him, Truly I say to you, To day shall you be with me in paradise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 2:31
He seeing this before spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Peter 3:19
By which also he went and preached to the spirits in prison;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Rich Man and Lazarus.
... Scriptures, we might assume that "hell" (Hades) only ... of teaching, warning, directing,
not spirits disembodied in the ... longer possible that their place or their ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/xxvi the rich man and.htm

A Solemn Deprival
... repeating prayers, and regular attendance at a place of worship ... to lift the veil,
and stand disembodied before the ... You might have been in hell; you might have ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/a solemn deprival.htm

Light at Evening Time
... Should hell break loose, and demons innumerable invade this ... and sisters have come
to a place of very ... vision of angels and of disembodied spirits, and, above all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/light at evening time.htm

The Greatness of the Soul,
... Aquinas, How many disembodied spirits could dance upon the point of a ... see it in the
light of hell flames (Luke ... to recover them again from that place and torment ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the greatness of the soul.htm

City of God
... that the Souls of Men Become Demons When Disembodied. ... 23.--Whether Generation Should
Have Taken Place Even in ... Had Power to Deliver His Own Soul from Hell. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/