Introduction: The Mysterious Three Days
For Christians, the three days between Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection are some of the most mysterious and pivotal moments in the entire Bible. While we know the glorious truth that Jesus rose from the dead on the third day, there’s a profound question that lingers: What happened during those three days?
From a theological perspective, the period after Jesus’ death is often referred to as the Harrowing of Hell. But what exactly does that mean? Did Jesus simply lie in the tomb, or was He doing something more profound during that time? In this post, we’ll explore the different interpretations and Scriptural insights about what Jesus may have been doing during those three days.
1. The Harrowing of Hell: What Does It Mean?
The term "Harrowing of Hell" refers to the belief that, after His death, Jesus descended into Hell (or the realm of the dead) to proclaim victory over Satan and death, freeing the righteous who had died before His resurrection. This concept is based on verses such as 1 Peter 3:18-20:
"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits..." (1 Peter 3:18-19, NIV)
The idea is that, during His time in the grave, Jesus did not remain passive but actively preached to the spirits who were imprisoned. This is often interpreted as Jesus declaring His victory over sin, death, and Satan—proclaiming that His redemptive work on the cross was the final defeat of evil.
Key Scriptures to Consider:
- 1 Peter 3:18-20 – Jesus proclaims to the spirits in prison.
- Ephesians 4:9-10 – Jesus descended to the lower, earthly regions and ascended far above the heavens.
- Acts 2:27, 31 – Referring to Jesus' soul not being abandoned in Hades.
2. Jesus' Descent into the Realm of the Dead
The Bible does not explicitly provide a comprehensive narrative of what Jesus did during the three days, but we can infer from Scripture that His time was not just about being physically dead in the tomb. Jesus’ descent into the realm of the dead—sometimes referred to as Sheol or Hades—was significant in several ways:
A. Jesus Conquered Death
When Jesus died on the cross, He conquered death. His death was not just a physical event, but also a spiritual victory over sin and death. Romans 6:9 assures us:
"We know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him." (Romans 6:9, NIV)
So, during these three days, it’s believed that Jesus fully dealt with death and the consequences of sin. The victory was not just in His resurrection but in His defeat of hell and death during this interim period.
B. Jesus Proclaimed Victory Over Evil
Some theologians believe that Jesus’ descent into hell was a proclamation of victory. He entered the realm of the dead, where Satan, sin, and death had previously reigned, and declared that His sacrifice on the cross was the final defeat of all forces of evil. Colossians 2:15 says:
"And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." (Colossians 2:15, NIV)
Through this act, Jesus triumphed not just over physical death but over all spiritual forces that had held humanity captive.
3. The Righteous Dead Before Christ’s Resurrection
Before Jesus' resurrection, the Bible indicates that the righteous who died (such as Abraham, Moses, and David) could not yet enter heaven because Christ had not yet atoned for their sins. Instead, they were in a place referred to as Abraham's bosom or paradise, a place of rest but not yet the full presence of God.
Luke 16:19-31 tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus. When Lazarus dies, he is carried to Abraham’s side (a place of peace), while the rich man finds himself in torment. This suggests a division between the righteous and unrighteous dead.
When Jesus died, it’s believed that He opened the gates of heaven for the righteous by taking them with Him after His victory over death. This is inferred from Ephesians 4:8-10, which says:
"When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people." (Ephesians 4:8, NIV)
This suggests that Jesus, after His death, took the righteous dead (who had been waiting) with Him to heaven, opening the way for all believers.
4. The Triumph of Resurrection
While the details of Jesus' activities during the three days remain somewhat mysterious, His resurrection on the third day is clear. Jesus did not remain in the tomb or in the realm of the dead. Instead, He emerged victorious, marking the defeat of sin and death once and for all. Matthew 28:5-6 narrates:
"The angel said to the women, 'Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.'" (Matthew 28:5-6, NIV)
This resurrection was not only physical but was also a spiritual victory, securing eternal life for all believers.
5. Implications for Believers Today
So, what does the three days and Jesus’ descent into hell mean for us as modern Christians? Here are some key takeaways:
A. Assurance of Victory Over Death
As Christians, we can have confidence that Jesus' victory over sin and death is complete. His time in the grave was not wasted. It was a time of declaring His victory, not just for Himself but for all of humanity who trust in Him. 1 Corinthians 15:55 says:
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:55, NIV)
B. Spiritual Strength in Times of Struggle
Just as Jesus entered into the darkness of the grave and emerged victorious, believers can find hope in their own times of darkness. Whether facing physical, emotional, or spiritual challenges, the three days represent hope and redemption, proving that nothing—not even death—has the final say.
C. Living in the Light of Resurrection
Finally, we are called to live in the light of the resurrection. Jesus’ victory is our victory. Just as He emerged from the grave with power and glory, we too are called to live in the power of His resurrection.
6. Conclusion: The Mystery of the Three Days
While the Bible doesn’t provide us with every detail about what happened during the three days between Jesus’ death and resurrection, it does assure us that Jesus’ work during this time was profound and victorious. His descent into hell, the Harrowing of Hell, and His subsequent resurrection were all part of God’s grand plan of redemption.
These three days were not merely a waiting period but a victorious proclamation of God’s power over sin, death, and the forces of evil. As believers, we can have confidence that Jesus has conquered it all, and because of His resurrection, we too can experience new life in Him.
Call to Action:
Have you ever wondered about the significance of the three days Jesus spent in the grave? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation about the mystery and triumph of Christ’s resurrection.
