You may recall the recent blockbuster movie The Last Dance. Its Chinese title, 破地獄 (Breaking Hell’s Gate), references a Taoist funeral ritual where a priest symbolically breaks the gates of hell using a sword. The ritual aims to free the soul of the deceased, releasing it from torment and allowing it to reincarnate.
This imagery evokes a profound parallel: Have you ever considered what happened to Jesus between his death and resurrection? Why did he have to die, and what is the full significance of his resurrection? A key question often arises—what became of those who lived before Christ's earthly ministry? How could they be saved when Christ had not yet died for their sins?
Jesus’ Descent into Hades: A Theological Perspective
The early Church Father Origen provides insight into this mystery. He describes two descents of Christ: first, from heaven to earth in his incarnation, and second, from earth to Hades in his death. Jesus fully participated in the human experience by living and dying as a human, particularly in death. This second descent is crucial, as it allowed Christ to directly confront the powers of darkness.
Through his death, Jesus broke the gates of hell, overthrowing the devil who held the power of death (Hebrews 2:14-15). Before this act, all souls—whether righteous or unrighteous—descended into Hades. Even saints like Abraham, Samuel, and John the Baptist were held there, unable to enter paradise due to the curse of original sin. Christ’s descent shattered this barrier, liberating those enslaved by death and opening the way to eternal life.
"The Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it”
Jesus’ words to Peter in Matthew 16:18 take on new depth in this context: “... on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” This declaration signifies that the gates of hell—the symbolic stronghold of death and the devil—cannot withstand the redemptive work of Christ. Furthermore, the following verse mentions Jesus giving Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven, not to hell. Why? Because Jesus had already broken hell’s gates and freed the captives... "the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
Binding the Strong Man and Liberating the Captives
Within the imagery of the parable of the strong man (Matthew 12:29; cf. Colossians 2:14–15), Jesus binds the devil through His sacrificial death on the cross, disarming the powers and authorities of darkness. Following this victory, He descends into Hades to plunder the devil's "house," liberating those held captive by the power of death and sin. Christ led the captives out of Hades, fulfilling Psalm 68:18 and Ephesians 4:8, which alludes to Christ's ascension accompanied by those he liberated. When Jesus resurrected, he did not rise alone but brought with him the souls of the redeemed, as symbolized by the saints who rose and entered the holy city (Matthew 27:52-53).
The Fulfillment of Christ’s Humanity and Divinity
To fully identify with humanity, Christ had to experience death and Hades, as all humans do. Yet, to demonstrate his divinity, he overcame death and the devil, rising victoriously. This dual fulfillment underscores the comprehensive nature of his work. According to Origen, Jesus opened paradise for Old Testament saints and offered salvation to the dead in Hades who responded to his proclamation (1 Peter 3:18-20).
Conclusion
Jesus’ redemptive work extends beyond the two defining moments of His death and resurrection. What he accomplished in Hades during the interim is a central and often overlooked dimension of salvation history, demonstrating the fullness of his victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness. By breaking the gates of hell, he liberated the righteous, defeated the power of death, and opened the way to eternal life for all who believe. This profound act assures us that the gates of hell will never prevail against those who belong to Christ. His victory in Hades is the foundation of our hope and the assurance of eternal life.
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