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The Apostle's Creed
I believe in Jesus . . .who . . . descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
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A dead savior would be no savior. Thank God, my Savior did not remain dead.
Having paid the price for the sins of all, hell could not hold him. Jesus descended into hell-not to suffer but to proclaim his victory. The old serpent could only cower in defeat. Satan could not hold Jesus. The eternal penalty for sin had been paid. Punishment in hell for sin was gone for all who trust in Jesus.
Then Jesus arose from the dead and showed himself alive to his disciples. Before he died, Jesus clearly said that his enemies would kill him but that he would rise up again. On the third day, it happened just as he said. When the disciples saw him on the evening of the resurrection, they were filled with joy. A week later Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God." I too am amazed by the resurrection of Jesus as I confess the words of the creed.
For 40 days Jesus appeared to his disciples. He spoke with them. He ate with them. He appeared to more than five hundred at once. There was no question but that he was alive again. The One who had been delivered for their sins had been raised again to assure them that his work was complete. The disciples had the assurance, as I do, that because Jesus arose from the dead, they too would live beyond the grave.
Eventually, it was time to leave his disciples. In ascending to heaven, Jesus paved the way to the Father's house for all believers and me. Presently, he sits at the right hand of the Father-not in a throne room somewhere in heaven. Rather, his is a position of power and glory whereby he rules all things-and fills all things. My Savior is with me. He lives in me. He guards and protects me at all times. He makes everything serve his good purpose for me.
As Jesus ascended visibly into the clouds of heaven, so he will come back someday to take me to himself. Maybe I will still be alive when he comes. Maybe I will be lying in some grave. Regardless, I will see him come in the clouds of heaven with all his holy angels. I will hear the shout of the archangel and the trumpet call of God. And so shall I ever be with the Lord. This I firmly believe. This I gladly confess.
© 2005 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.
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