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| BENSHEIM, GERMANY - APRIL 06: Actors take part in a re-enactment of the crucifixion of Jesus by the Romans on Good Friday on April 6, 2012 in Bensheim, Germany. Christians all over the world take part in processions retracing the steps tradition says Jesus Christ took to his crucifixion. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife) |
A. Did Jesus die spiritually?
There are indeed textual references that seem to support the idea that Jesus died spiritually. However, may I first clarify that I do not personally follow their interpretation of these text. I only present them for the sake of fulfilling the task of finding some texts that would seem to support the affirmative answers to the four questions.
These false theologians claimed that Jesus died on the cross, physically and spiritually. They make use of the following texts:
a) Luke 23:46, Matthew 27:50, and John 19:30 – “Father, into Thy hands I commit My Spirit”
It sounds true that Jesus died spiritually as he commits his spirit to God. However, let us be clarified that Jesus committed his body to us for the forgiveness of our sins and likewise committed his spirit to God and that ended his redemptive mission. Yes he died physically after that but committing his spirit to the Father does not mean spiritual death.
b) Isaiah 53:9 – “He made His grave with the wicked, and with the rich in His death...”
This another text used to affirm the spiritual death of Jesus because in Hebrew the word for death in this verse is in the plural form, deaths. This is interpreted as proof that Jesus suffered a double-death, both physical (his body) and spiritual (his spirit) death on the cross! Was Jesus’ death both a physical as well as spiritual one? However, the word for DEATH in Hebrew is mawet; it appears 150 times in the Old Testament. The foremost and obvious interpretation of this passage is in the context itself. “With the rich in His death;” this is in reference to his body being buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb. (Matthew 27:57-60) It would be ridiculous to say that both his body and spirit were in the tomb, since that would go against the Scripture. (http://wwwcrossfocus.blogspot.com/2009)
B. Did Jesus become sinful/unrighteous on the cross? (or did He remain Holy, righteous and pure)
This is another intriguing question promoted by certain theologians who are also promoting the idea of the spiritual death of Jesus. Obviously, there are texts in the bible that would seem to affirm the idea that Jesus became sinful and unrighteous on the cross.
a) 2 Corinthians 5:21 – “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
They use this text to make it appear that Jesus did not remain pure and holy since he made him to be sin for us that we may be righteous in the eyes of God. It sounds a valid claim. However, let us analyze the text grammatically. Nowhere in the Scripture does it say, God made Him to be a sinner' but 'He had made Him to be sin.
b) Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
It appears very convincing that Jesus became sinful on the cross with this passage. It’s good to analyze again the text grammatically. It said the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all which means God laid on him our sins but not IN HIM which means he himself did not become sinful.
c) Gal 3:13 – Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
It seems to affirm the idea that Jesus became sinful or unrighteous with this text. However, we need to read and understand carefully the meaning of this text. It said the Christ was being made a curse for us. Yes it is written that Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree. But text did not say that Christ was cursed it only said he was being made a curse.
C. Did Jesus descend into hell upon his death? (or did He go to heaven)
I believe that a yes answer to this question is consistent with the previous questions to support their own twisted theology. Again, there are scriptural texts to support this claim.
a) Matthew 12:40 – 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.
It’s being used to support an affirmative answer to the above question. They used the word heart of the earth or hades to mean hell. The use of this word heart meant the interior of a thing or of being in it. Here it is referring to the tomb he was in. Yet he did continue to exist as a Spirit (who is God in his nature). (http://wwwcrossfocus.blogspot.com/2009/12)
b) 1 Peter 3:18-21 –
1Pe 3:18 Christ died once for our sins. An innocent person died for those who are guilty. Christ did this to bring you to God, when his body was put to death and his spirit was made alive.
1Pe 3:19 Christ then preached to the spirits that were being kept in prison.
1Pe 3:20 They had disobeyed God while Noah was building the boat, but God had been patient with them. Eight people went into that boat and were brought safely through the flood.
1Pe 3:21 Those flood waters were like baptism that now saves you. But baptism is more than just washing your body. It means turning to God with a clear conscience, because Jesus Christ was raised from death.
This text is used again to support the idea that Jesus descended into hell after on his death before he resurrected. It says, “Christ then preached to the spirits that were being kept in prison.” The spirits He went to preach to were those from the time of the flood; the word for “preach” is in Gr. Kerysso, meaning to proclaim or announce (judgment). This is different than to evangelize and proclaim the good news of reconciliation for salvation, which is used in 1 Peter 4:6. This proclamation is directed to either the fallen angels or the human souls that died in the flood (Jude 6; 2 Peter 2:4). Probably having to do with announcing that their judgment is imminent, as he had just come from the victory on the cross. Col. 2:15, “Having disarmed principalities and powers, he made a public spectacle of them triumphing over them in it.” When? On the cross (v.14), this could never have occurred if Christ was suffering in Hell, as they claim.
c) Act 2:31 – He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption.
It would seem like Peter is saying that Jesus really entered hell as the text suggests. However, Peter says that God did not leave the soul of Jesus in Hades, but raised Him up from the dead. The term “Hades” does not actually refer to hell as many believe, but is “the place of the dead.” Sometimes, it refers to the underworld where the souls of men walk around like shadows. Frequently, “Hades” simply refers to the grave. It is not a mystical place, but is simply the hole in the ground where your body goes when you die. Most translators think that is what Peter is referring to, and translate “Hades” as “the grave.”
d) Ephesians 4:8-10
Eph 4:8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
Eph 4:9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
Eph 4:10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
This verse is often brought up as defense that Jesus descended into hell, but this is not the best understanding of this passage. In verse 8, Paul talks about how Jesus ascended into heaven, and to explain this, Paul reminds His readers that Jesus was simply returning to where He came from, that is, heaven. He only ascended from earth to heaven because He first descended from heaven to earth. The descent of Jesus was not from earth into hell.
D. Was the physical death of Christ (his flesh) alone not enough to redeem us and atone for our sins or did he have to offer his “spirit” as a sacrifice.
There are texts that would also affirm that Christ’s spirit was needed and not only his flesh in order to redeem us. Let’s start with:
a. Peter 3:18-19
1Pe 3:18 Christ died once for our sins. An innocent person died for those who are guilty. Christ did this to bring you to God, when his body was put to death and his spirit was made alive.
1Pe 3:19 Christ then preached to the spirits that were being kept in prison.
I Peter 3:18 states, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened (made alive) by the Spirit.” It would seem like He died spiritually and then was spiritually resurrected by the Spirit. However, it means He died in the body, He was “put to death in the flesh,” not the spirit. The spirit of Christ did not die; His flesh did. He continued his life, existing in the spirit. Christ died in body only and continued to exist in spirit, just as He did before he came to earth. He was put to death in the sphere of the flesh but continued to be alive in the sphere of the spirit. So His existence in his earthly life ended but he continued his life existing in the spirit inside the earth before he resurrected.
b) Luke 23:46, Matthew 27:50, and John 19:30 – “Father, into Thy hands I commit My Spirit”
It sounds true that Jesus died spiritually as he commits his spirit to God. However, let us be clarified that Jesus committed his body to us for the forgiveness of our sins and likewise committed his spirit to God and that ended his redemptive mission. Yes he died physically after that but committing his spirit to the Father does not mean spiritual death.
These texts and many more are but used inappropriately or in a wrong context to promote their false teachings. Just as there are false teaching, there are genuine teachings as well. It is better to look at how other passages in the bible would deny the ideas that are being affirmed as suggested by the above questions.
What Really Happened at the Cross and Afterwards?
A. Did Jesus die spiritually?
B. Did Jesus become sinful/unrighteous on the cross? (or did He remain Holy, righteous and pure)
C. Did Jesus descend into hell upon his death? (or did He go to heaven)
D. Was the physical death of Christ (his flesh) alone not enough to redeem us and atone for our sins or did he have to offer his “spirit” as a sacrifice.
1) Isa 53:11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. Christ’s soul did suffer along with his body but his spirit did not die. The spirit being the highest aspect of our and Christ’s being (spirit, soul, body respectively) did not necessarily die when he offered it to the Father for the forgiveness of our sins. Christ’s body being tortured and killed was united with his very spirit and soul too in suffering but not in death as our soul and spirit can never die. The death of his body is at the same time a suffering of the spirit and soul. But after the suffering or sacrifice he will see the light of life and be justified. As an effect of his suffering the people’s inequities are justified as he bore it with his sacrifice.
B. Jesus remained holy and pure and did not become sinful. Instead he bore our sins and justify them by his own suffering. It does not suggest the idea of becoming unholy or unrighteous in order to justify us, otherwise, he would be unworthy or his sacrifice would be unacceptable.
C. Seeing the light of life after the suffering of the soul is contrary to the idea of Jesus going to hell after he died because that would mean seeing the dark of death.
D. Yes the text suggests that he offered not only his body as his soul did suffer as well to bear our inequities. In other texts Jesus is quoted saying: Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit…
2) 1Pe 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit,
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. The text suggests Jesus’ physical death only as a means to forgive our sins and to bring us to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.
B. Jesus remained holy even until he died for Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous. The text says that he is the righteous for the unrighteous. It means that he remained righteous otherwise he becomes the UNRIGHTEOUS for the unrighteous.
C. For Christ died for sins once for all so going to hell was no longer necessary.
D. Christ’s body was put to death but was made alive in the spirit does not contradict with the idea that he offered his entire being (spirit, soul, and body) but his spirit was still made alive. Christ’s offering is not a dichotomy of body and spirit. His offering for our sins in holistic however, only the body dies physically but the spirit is forever alive.
3) 2Co 5:19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. Christ being God’s peace offering or bridge of reconciliation makes God not to count any longer men’s sins. Jesus who brings the message of freedom and reconciliation of God and man need not die spiritually. Spiritual death is pointless if his coming was to bring peace and reconciliation.
B. Jesus who brings peace and reconciliation so that God would no longer count our sins has no reason to be sinful and unrighteous. But it is most reasonable for him to be holy, righteous and pure if he is committed to bring the message of reconciliation.
C. Going to hell only suggests Christ himself is not enough for God not to count our sins.
D. Christ’s offering is holistic but only his flesh did die. His whole being is an offering of reconciliation so God would no longer count our sins.
4) Heb 10:10 And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. Only Jesus’ body did die and not his spirit that is the reason why this text explicitly uses the word BODY of Jesus Christ as sacrifice. It did not use the word spirit (although Christ offered his spirit to God) as Christ did not die spiritually.
B. ‘…we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all’ This text suggests that his body made us holy. Making himself unrighteous for whatever reason does not seem to flow with the idea of this text. So, I believe he remained holy.
C. Going to hell is not supported by this text since by the sacrifice of Christ’s body we have been made holy once for all. So, it’s no longer necessary for Jesus to go to hell as far as the purpose of redemption is concerned because it only makes the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ NOT once for all.
D. The text mentions sacrifice of the BODY of Jesus as instrumental to our holiness in the eyes of God. But it does not claim a dichotomy of body and spirit as Christ is both body and spirit offered for our salvation. But his body has to die to make that offering or sacrifice fulfilled.
5) 1Pe 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. This text is very physically and symbolically oriented so dying of the spirit is totally out of context. It takes account of Christ’s body as being responsible for bearing our sins. So, it’s like sins are dying together with his body so that we live for righteousness. It also symbolically use the word Christ’s wounds being the cause of our own healing.
B. It’s very ironical for this text to be accepting the idea that Christ become sinful because he being a source of righteousness and his body being the cause of death of our sins and his wounds being our healing will never need to be unrighteous or sinful just to make us holy and righteous. The most that he can do is bear our sins but the least is making himself sinful and unrighteous.
C. The idea of going to hell only makes Jesus incapable of bearing our sins through his body. It only makes his dying on the cross insufficient and may be pointless.
D. The creative and symbolic use of words in this text makes it appear that Christ’s body is enough to redeem us. But it said that he himself bore our sins in his body. Christ is both body and spirit. The physical aspect bears our sins as it is the only aspect that physically dies. However, both body and spirit in himself was offered to the father as a sacrifice.
6) Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. Jesus’ flesh or body has broken the enmity between Greeks and Jews. By his flesh he broke chains of the legalistic traditions and laws that enslave people. It’s the death of his physical body that ended the old ways and fulfilled them so that a new way is established. Matthew Henry interprets the text as:
By his sufferings in the flesh, to took away the binding power of the ceremonial law (so removing that cause of enmity and distance between them), which is here called the law of commandments contained in ordinances, because it enjoined a multitude of external rites and ceremonies, and consisted of many institutions and appointments about the outward parts of divine worship.
B. He remained holy on the cross otherwise, he would not be able to end the enmity between the Greeks and Jews and not be able to break the binding power of ceremonial law. He need not be sinful or unrighteous because it’s his flesh that fulfilled his purpose.
C. No he did not descend into hell because it’s no longer necessary since his flesh has fulfilled his goal.
D. This text supports the idea that the flesh or the body has redeemed us from sinfulness.
7) Heb 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. With his power as God’s son he need not die spiritually to redeem us. He being the exact representation of God’s being, sustaining all things by his powerful word remained spiritually alive when his body died for our sins. Besides the text says: After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
B. He who provides purification needed not to be impure, sinful, or unrighteous, he must instead be holy, righteous, or pure himself.
C. The idea of going to hell is not supported in this text since it claims that ‘After he provided purification of sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.’
D. Since he got seated at the right hand of the Father after washing away our sins, it implies his victory over the death of his human body. His victory over death is the seat at the right hand of the Father. His bodily death is end of his divine mission and the fullness of his spiritual life or the commencement of his reign after the redemption. There is no mention of Christ offering his spirit as a sacrifice but rather his whole being.
8) Isa 53:10 Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. 11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. Jesus’ life is an offering for sin. He did suffer and die physically but he remained spiritually alive. The suffering and pain that Jesus experienced had been part of the Father’s plan even before Jesus came down. It is the will of the Father. The purpose of such suffering is the life of the people or their justification
B. No. He remained righteous, holy and pure as he is the offering for the unrighteous, or sinful.
C. After the suffering, Jesus saw the light of life and not the darkness of hell. He must have gone to heaven and not hell after his suffering.
D. The text speaks of suffering and must be of the flesh as it is able to feel or bear the pain or suffering that was willed by the Father for His Son for the forgiveness of our sins.
9) Lev 17:11 For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one's life.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. The offering required on the altar for the atonement of sins is life which is in the blood. The blood is the ransom therefore Jesus needed not to die spiritually.
B. No. Jesus remained righteous, holy and pure otherwise the offering on the altar would not be pleasing to the Father.
C. The descent into the hell only implies the incompleteness or partiality of the offering on the altar.
D. The text is clear about the blood (where life is) being the offering on the altar for the atonement of one’s life. The blood or life of Christ is the offering on the altar that serves as atonement for our sins.
10) Luk 23:46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. Jesus has committed his spirit to the Father when he was about to physically die. It means that he only died physically but his spirit lives on.
B. Christ has committed his clean spirit to the Father thus he never became sinful or unrighteous on the cross.
C. He commended his spirit to the Father before he breathed his last. It means to say that he is going to the Father upon his death and not into hell. His total submission to the Father implies the completion of his task and thus going to hell is no longer necessary.
D. Christ’s body is the sacrifice not his spirit. He commended his spirit to the Father after he completed his task of doing a sacrifice of his human body. He did not offer his spirit as a sacrifice but commended it to the Father who receives him after completing his mission.
11) Joh 14:12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. He was going to the Father after his mission and he only needed to die physically.
B. No he didn’t. He remained holy, righteous and pure since he is going back to the Father after his mission is accomplished.
C. No. He was going back to the Father and not into hell after his death.
D. He only needed physical death his spirit is joining with his Father. He only did a physical sacrifice.
12) Joh 14:28 "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. He was going to the Father after his mission and he only needed to die physically.
B. No he didn’t. He remained holy, righteous and pure since he is going back to the Father after his mission is accomplished.
C. No. He was going back to the Father and not into hell after his death.
D. He only needed physical death his spirit is joining with his Father. He only did a physical sacrifice.
13) Joh 16:5 "Now I am going to him who sent me, yet none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. He was going to the Father after his mission and he only needed to die physically.
B. No he didn’t. He remained holy, righteous and pure since he is going back to the Father after his mission is accomplished.
C. No. He was going back to the Father and not into hell after his death.
D. He only needed physical death his spirit is joining with his Father. He only did a physical sacrifice.
14) Joh 16:17 Some of his disciples said to one another, "What does he mean by saying, "In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,' and "Because I am going to the Father'?"
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. He was going to the Father after his mission and he only needed to die physically.
B. No he didn’t. He remained holy, righteous and pure since he is going back to the Father after his mission is accomplished.
C. No. He was going back to the Father and not into hell after his death.
D. He only needed physical death his spirit is joining with his Father. He only did a physical sacrifice.
15) Joh 16:28 I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. He was going to the Father after his mission and he only needed to die physically.
B. No he didn’t. He remained holy, righteous and pure since he is going back to the Father after his mission is accomplished.
C. No. He was going back to the Father and not into hell after his death.
D. He only needed physical death his spirit is joining with his Father. He only did a physical sacrifice.
16) Joh 17:11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. He was going to the Father after his mission and he only needed to die physically.
B. No he didn’t. He remained holy, righteous and pure since he is going back to the Father after his mission is accomplished.
C. No. He was going back to the Father and not into hell after his death.
D. He only needed physical death his spirit is joining with his Father. He only did a physical sacrifice.
17) Joh 17:13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. He was going to the Father after his mission and he only needed to die physically.
B. No he didn’t. He remained holy, righteous and pure since he is going back to the Father after his mission is accomplished.
C. No. He was going back to the Father and not into hell after his death.
D. He only needed physical death his spirit is joining with his Father. He only did a physical sacrifice.
18) Act 2:23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him: "'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 27 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. He only died physically as he was put to death by nailing on the cross and after his physical death God raised him from the dead. It was impossible for death to keep hold on him since he is spiritually alive.
B. No. He didn’t. The Father will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay so He remained holy, righteous and pure since he is going back to the Father after his mission is done.
C. No. The Father will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. He was going back to the Father and not into hell after his death. God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death.
D. It’s been God’s plan that Jesus should suffer and die. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. He should die physically as God’s plan has been set, but he only needed physical death since his body is restored in spirit is joining with his Father. He only did a physical sacrifice.
19) Luk 23:42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. Even before his death, he has already knew where he is going next. It does not agree with the idea of dying spiritually because it implies going somewhere else aside from his very kingdom.
B. No. In fact he has forgiven another sinner before he died. It only says about his holiness, righteousness, and purity even until the cross.
C. No. He went into the Kingdom of the Father.
D. His death was only physical as he remained alive in spirit after death. He only offered his body and blood as sacrifice and not his spirit.
20) 1Pe 1:18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. We were redeemed through the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. It means to say that he did not have to die spiritually to redeem us.
B. No. We were redeemed through the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. It means to say that he did not become unrighteous or unholy or impure but rather remained a lamb without blemish or defect.
C. Since by his precious blood we were redeemed, he no longer needed to go into hell upon his death.
D. The offering he made to redeem us is his body and blood and a sacrifice and not by the sacrifice of His spirit.
21) Joh 8:21 Once more Jesus said to them, "I am going away, and you will look for me, and you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come."
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. Jesus did not die spiritually. He is spiritually alive that is why he is going away.
B. No. Jesus is going back to the Father and therefore remained holy.
C. No. He died physically and went with the dead but he will eventually resurrect and go to the Father in heaven (a place where he goes and we cannot come to).
D. Jesus speaks with victory that he will die and then go to the Father. It means that his physical death is enough.
22) Col 1:19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. 21 Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation—
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. This text is very clear about the physical death of Jesus and not spiritual.
B. No. Christ’s body being holy, without blemish and free from accusation in the sight of God is what makes us reconciled with God.
C. No. God the Father dwells in Jesus and He is well please with his physical sacrifice and his blood, so Jesus has no business with hell since He has already accomplished his purpose through his death.
D. This text is very clear about the physical death of Jesus and not spiritual therefore his physical death sufficed our redemption.
23) Heb 10:5 Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; 6 with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. This text is very clear about the physical death of Jesus and not spiritual.
B. No. Christ’s body is enough as the Father is not pleased with burnt and sin offerings.
C. No. God the Father is pleased with the sacrifice of Jesus’ body, so Jesus has no business with hell since He has already accomplished his redemptive purpose through his physical sacrifice.
D. This text is very clear about the physical offering and not burnt or sin offering that pleases God the Father, therefore his physical death sufficed our redemption.
24) Heb 10:19 Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body,
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. This text is very suggestive of Jesus’ physical death as the words blood and body are both physical offerings that have opened our way to the Most Holy Place.
B. No. Christ’s body and blood have opened our access to God the Father in His Most Holy Place. It’s very unlikely for Jesus to be sinful or unrighteous and at the same time give us access to the Father.
C. No. By Jesus’ body and blood, we gain entrance to the Father. It is not with going to hell.
D. This text is very clear about Jesus’ body and blood which give us confidence and gate to God and not spiritual sacrifice.
25) 1Pe 4:1 Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. The text suggests that Christ suffered with his body.
B. No. His body suffered to remove sin. Therefore, it was not necessary for him to be sinful and unrighteous.
C. No. After he suffered with this body, the he victoriously fulfilled his purpose and therefore he went to heaven.
D. It’s clear about the physical sacrifice and therefore no spiritual sacrifice was needed to redeem us.
26) Act 2:23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him. 25 David said about him: "'I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. He only died physically as he was put to death by nailing on the cross and after his physical death God raised him from the dead. It was impossible for death to keep hold on him since he is spiritually alive.
B. No. He didn’t. The Father will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay so He remained holy, righteous and pure since he is going back to the Father after his mission is done.
C. No. The Father will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. He was going back to the Father and not into hell after his death. God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death.
D. It’s been God’s plan that Jesus should suffer and die. This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. He should die physically as God’s plan has been set, but he only needed physical death since his body is restored in spirit is joining with his Father. He only did a physical sacrifice.
27) Col 2:14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
This text answers the questions with a no.
A. No. Nailing on the cross is symbolic of Jesus’ physical death to win over sin.
B. No. He instead remained holy and righteous and triumphed over sin through his physical sacrifice on the cross.
C. No. The reason why the text uses cross because that symbolizes Christ’s victory over sin. Going hell therefore was no longer needed.
D. The cross which symbolizes Jesus’ physical death has triumphed over sin and therefore his physical offering was enough to redeem us.
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