Do you know Jesus went to hell?
Ephesians 4:9-10 (KJV)
Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.
Till date, some don't know that Jesus went to hell. But yes, He sure did! And He did, so that you and I never have to go to hell. Please chew on that.
You know, the devil was absolutely stunned to see Jesus in hell. He knew Jesus had no sin and therefore had no place in hell whatsoever. You and I were destined to go to hell as a consequence of sin but Jesus forever altered the course of destiny for all men.
And so, Jesus rightly went to hell because He died, not with sin, but as sin. Scripture says He who knew no sin was made sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Cor 5:21). Now, you are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus! Friends, you must know, your righteousness is not a function of what you do, it is who you are! It is a gift from God (Rom 5:17).
Again, when Jesus got to the gates of hell, He commanded "Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in" (Psa 24:7). Then they responded, "Who is this King of glory? And the reply went forth "The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle" (Psa 24:8). And then the gates of hell were lifted up and Jesus - the Lord of hosts, the King of glory went in. Jesus showed up to the devil's utter amazement, he took the keys of hell and of death (Rev 1:18), then He set their captives free and led a victory match out of hell when He resurrected. He also effectively set us free from the power of sin and death by His conquest of the kingdom of darkness. We were once dead in sin, but God quickened us together with Christ, and raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus far above principalities and powers (Eph 2:5-6). Now, we are free indeed because the Son has set us free (John 8:32).
Finally, Jesus totally defeated the devil and stripped him of all His stolen powers. Scripture says He disarmed principalities and powers and made a public disgrace of them all, triumphing over them by the cross (Col 2:15). Today, the devil is a powerless, toothless, wannabe lion; and is a non-entity, a non-issue, and no longer a factor in our equation. Please remember that. God bless you real good.
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