Many people misunderstand the meaning of Jesus’ visit to the Underworld and exactly where he went during this visit. Some who do believe that Jesus did go to the Underworld, believe he went to hell, but this is not true.
Hades or Sheol was the place people went after death before Jesus. It consisted of three compartments; a place of confinement for the demons who sinned during the days of Noah, a department of torment for all unbelievers called hell, and a holding place called Abraham’s Bosom for the believers of God. Abrahams’s Bosom is where Jesus went after he was crucified
Before the time of Jesus, those who accepted God as their God, when they died went to Abraham’s bosom. They were kept here because Jesus had not died for their sins yet.
In the parable of the rich man and the beggar, Jesus describes in great detail the departments of Hell and Abraham’s bosom. God does not look at wealth, prestige, or power. He looks at one’s heart and love for him. Those in hell suffer torment and thirst. To add to their misery they could see those in Abraham’s bosom who were torment free and enjoyed comforts. There was a gulf between them and those in hell could not cross over for the comfort they sought nor could those in Abraham’s bosom cross over to the other side.
“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.” Luke 16:19-26
Jesus warned that we should not fear someone killing our bodies but we should fear him (Jesus) who holds the power to send them to the compartment of Hell, where there is no escape.
“And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.” Luke 12:4-5
Where was Abraham’s Bosom located? It is located below the earth, in fact, Jesus refers to its location as being in the heart of the earth.
“But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: 40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.”
Matthew 12:39-40
Abraham’s Bosom also was called paradise. I am sure anyone who was in hell definitely would describe it as paradise. When Jesus was on the cross he told the thief that accepted him that he would see him in paradise.
” And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:41-43
Jesus came to earth to experience all the same things man does. This helped him to understand the weaknesses of mankind and to relate to all our earthly problems. He in human form also had to overcome sin, the same as each of us must. Just as he experienced our problems he also had to experience the whole death process which included Abraham’s Bosom.
“He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.” Acts 2:31
“For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” Psalm 16:10
Besides ascending into Hades to experience death, Jesus’ mission was to set those who believed in God free and take them to Heaven.
“Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. 9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)” Ephesians 4:8-10
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. 10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth. 11 As for thee also, by the blood of thy covenant I have sent forth thy prisoners out of the pit wherein is no water.” Zechariah 9:9-11
Jesus was victorious over death thereby giving those who believe in him the same victory over death.
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.” Revelation 1:18
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” 1 Corinthians 15:20
“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14
“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:54-57
Because Jesus did descended into the Underworld and arose again, he defeated death and now holds the keys to hell and death. This victory is extended to those of us who accepted Jesus as our Saviour. We do not have to fear death because when we die we will be with him.
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