“Heart Of The Earth”

Tuesday, November 08, 2016

There was a page-sized ad in our newspaper last week from a church explaining why Jesus had to go to hell for three days and three nights.  What are your thoughts on this interpretation?

Sincerely,
Long Weekend

Dear Long Weekend,

Jesus went to Paradise when He died – He said so.  Jesus told the thief on the cross that they were both going to Paradise after they died (Lk 23:43).  Those who say that Jesus went to hell often refer to the verse where it states Jesus would spend three days and three nights in “the heart of the earth” (Matt 12:40).  However, that verse is simply stating that Jesus’ body would be buried for three days.  Jesus’ spirit was separated from His body at death (Jas 2:26).  Jesus’ body went into the ground, and His spirit went into Paradise.

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