Summary

When we confess in the Apostles Creed, “He descended to the dead,” we’re not saying Jesus went in scared—we’re saying He went in sovereign. Because let’s be honest—that line feels like the theological equivalent of opening a door in a haunted house. We’re fine with born of the Virgin Mary. We’re good with crucified, died, and buried. We love the third day He rose again. But this line? This one makes us nervous.

Sermon Questions

• According to 1 Peter 3:18, what does it mean that Christ suffered “once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous”? Why is it important that Peter emphasizes both Jesus’ death in the flesh and being made alive in the Spirit?
• How does Christ’s descent affirm the reality of His death? What does this doctrine teach us about the completeness of Christ’s suffering?
• How does knowing Christ entered death before you change the way you think about your own mortality? In what ways do people try to avoid facing death spiritually or emotionally?
• If Christ proclaimed victory in the realm of death, what does that mean for the power of sin and shame over your life today? How does this passage strengthen believers who are suffering unjustly (Peter’s original audience)? What does Christ’s victory over death mean for those who feel trapped by their past?
• What new truth about Jesus did you learn or understand more clearly through this sermon? Who in your life needs to hear that Jesus has conquered death and there is real hope beyond the grave?