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APOSTLES' Creed (II)
Page 3
Notes by:  Fred Schwenk


The basic creed of Reformed churches, as most familiarly known, is called the Apostles' Creed.  It has received this title because of its great antiquity; it dates from very early times in the Church, a half century or so from the last writings of the New Testament.


I believe in GOD, the FATHER ALMIGHTY, the CREATOR of heaven and earth, and in JESUS CHRIST, HIS ONLY SON, our LORD:  Who was conceived of the HOLY SPIRIT, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.  HE descended into hell.  The third day HE arose again from the dead.  HE ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of GOD the FATHER ALMIGHTY, whence HE shall come to judge the living and the dead.  I believe in the HOLY SPIRIT, the holy *catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting.  Amen.

*The word "catholic" refers not to the Roman Catholic Church, but to the universal church of the Lord Jesus Christ.


We continue our journey into the Basic Principles of the Christian Faith. These beliefs are fundamental to our salvation. Although the Church of JESUS CHRIST on earth today is quite fragmented, there are several teachings (doctrines) that are common to all true believers.  We will look at these doctrines one by one in the hopes of strengthening our "like precious faith!"


HE descended into hell.




Supporting Scripture:  Ephesians 4


8This is why it says:
"When HE ascended on high, HE led captives in HIS train and gave gifts to men." 9(What does "HE ascended" mean except that HE also descended to the lower, earthly regions ? 10HE who descended is the very One who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)"

 

Right after JESUS died on the cross the Bible says that HE descended into the lower regions.  This is not the placement of HIS body in the tomb.  The tomb was a cave on level ground.  The Living Spirit of JESUS went directly to the holding place of those dead in trespasses, referred to as hell.

Here we must separate truth from heresy.  JESUS was not bound into hell to pay for our sin.  HE had died a triumphant death on the cross.  HE paid already, but not for HIMSELF - HE was without sin.

When HE entered hell HE did so as as Triumphal KING!  HE went in, took the keys to Hell and the Grave, and "walked out" taking with HIM those who had looked forward to the coming MESSIAH and then HE ascended into the presence of HIS FATHER.  There HE presented the "spoils" of HIS Victory!

At the Cross HE triumphed over the one (satan) who had the power of death, hell and the grave.  There HE won the right to take that power.  In hell HE successfully assumed HIS right as KING and JUDGE of the Living and the Dead!

HE still holds that power and always will.  HIS Word tells us not to fear the one who had the power of death.  The keyword is had!  We are not to fear satan or his demons.  We are to be aware of their plans of deception.  We are to fear (have the utmost respect and awe for) JESUS!

We have this because HE is the only ONE who has the power of life and death over us!  And when making a choice, HE chooses Life!  We accept HIM as LORD and SAVIOR and we receive life and victory from HIM!  What a wonderful SAVIOR!

 

This Study will continue as:  Apostles' Creed (III)

 

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