After He was crucified the LORD was buried, but something miraculous was occurring the three days thereafter. Ephesians 4:7-11 discusses how He descended (into hell), then ascended to lead “captivity captive.” He condemned the devil and stripped him of his authority to hold people in bondage.
RELEVANCE
The LORD’s Spirit descended into hell where he battled with the devil, and led the forces of darkness which had held mankind into captivity into their own captivity. Revelation 1:18 records that He took the keys of hell and death, Satan’s authority, away from him, absolving him from his authority over mankind. He wiped away the bill of charges against us!
Satan had won a position of spiritual authority over mankind when Adam and Eve believed the lie of the serpent (the devil personified) and disobeyed God’s command to not eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The LORD took back that authority.
Believers, therefore, benefit from His authority over the power of sin and death. Those who have not put their faith in the LORD have not appropriated His authority over the devil, leaving them under the jurisdiction of the powers of darkness. Through trusting faith we affirm His victory. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we walk in it.
REFLECT AND RELATE
Do you understand how the LORD defeated the devil, and made a way of escape from the bondage of hell for you? Have you fully received His exchange for your sins and attempts to justify yourself? Are there things in your life—attitudes, ways, habits, values, material possessions—you may need to “bury” and put behind you so you can fully appreciate the LORD’s victory, receive God’s grace and walk in the new life in Him?
REFERENCES
Colossians 2:8-23; Romans 8:2