Charles H. Spurgeon, instructing a group of seminary students on sermon delivery, said, “When you speak of heaven, let your face light up with a heavenly gleam. Let your eyes shine with reflected glory. And when you speak of hell–well, then your usual face will do.” (Quoted in Developing Christian Character Study Guide, R.C. Sproul, p. 67).
Ever wonder what it means to confess in the Apostle’s Creed “he descended into hell”? This is how Reformed churches understand it, something worth meditating on as we approach Good Friday:
“Why is it added: ‘He descended into hell?’ That in my greatest temptations I may be assured that Christ my Lord, by His inexpressible anguish, pains, and terrors, which He suffered in His soul on the cross and before, has redeemed me from the anguish and torment of hell” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 44).
If you would like to learn more about this line of the Apostle’s Creed and why we should continue to confess it based on God’s Word, and for our comfort, here are two great resources by Rev. Daniel Hyde.
1. A FREE article: “In Defense of the Descendit: A Confessional Response to Contemporary Critics of Christ’s Descent Into Hell”
2. An inexpensive book that is an expansion of the article with a PRACTICAL SECTION at the end: In Defense of the Descent: A Response to Contemporary Critics (ONLY $7.50!)
Wrath to Riches 