The humanity of Christ illuminates the only human being that ever lived (his entire life) without sin. Without mysticism, spiritualization, or misinterpretation of the scriptures Christ’s humanity refers to him coming down from heaven (as a man of no reputation) into earth’s present conditions during that time.
John 6:38…For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will…
Eph 4:8-10…Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
Through a comparison between heaven and earth; and Christ being both God and man… he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth… simply illustrates an enthroned Christ stepping down from His heavenly position and becoming a servant to all the earth.
Phil 2:7…But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men…
Eph 4:9-10...(Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended
Love for fallen man is why Christ came down. When Christ descended to earth (became a man) He encountered the worst conditions of life:
1. He was born in a barren land
2. He was born to an enslaved people
3. He was born in a manger
4. He caught a fish to pay taxes
5. He was a man of no reputation (33 yrs.)
6. He lived a lonesome life
7. He was a man of sorrow
8. His Apostles forsook Him at the trial
9. He died alone at Calvary
10. The father turned His back on Him
11. He died as a criminal
12. He died as a slave
13. He died a hideous death of crucifixion
For centuries scripture verses have been taken out of context and formed into traditional fable like stories. These are misleading and harmful to any student of the Bible. The spirit of Christ compelled Noah to preach the truth of righteousness. He preached to the ungodly for 120 yrs.
Gen 6:5-6…And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually, and it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
1 Peter 3:19-20…By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.
2 Peter 2:5…And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
The Spirits in prison which were sometime disobedient (1 Peter 3:19, 20) had no reference to Satan, demons, or Christ’s descension into hell, but scripturally dealt with Noah’s preaching toward fallen man; the wickedness of man’s heart; and ungodliness upon the earth.
Historically through the Roman church the “Apostles Creed” is the origin of the mystical fable concerning Christ’s descension into Hell.
Christ descended first into the lower parts (worst conditions) of the earth and atonement was made for humanity through His suffering and sacrifice on the cross. On the third day (after His body was placed in a tomb) He resurrected and walked among men for a short time. He then ascended back to heaven (from which He came) and is now seated at the right hand of the Father.
When mysticism, spiritualization, or fable like emphasis is placed on Christ “descending into Hell” the magnitude of “His Ascension” is diminished. This is misleading; a hindrance toward Biblical understanding; and contrary to the Glory of Christ.
When Christ ascended back to heaven He provided freedom and liberty in the Spirit; released men from bondages; and delivered them from the captivity of sin and the flesh. His light overcame the powers of darkness. Through the power of His Divine mercy, love, and grace Christ sanctifies and leads men away from an evil world and places them into the security of His own body. By faith and obedience to Christ, a child of God continues to be His property, under His Divine ownership.
Eph 4:8-10…Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive…
1 Cor 6:20…For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Christ’s ascension took him from humanity back to a heavenly position where He now rules and reigns from the right hand of the Father. From this position He also governs the body of Christ, His church, and gives gifts unto men so others can learn, hear, and be taught.
Eph 4:8-10…Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men vs.11…and He gave some; apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
The power of preaching Christ saves man from sin, disobedience, and judgment. God sealed Noah and his family into the ark and saved them from the Flood; likewise this same power baptizes man into Christ; takes away all guilt from sin; and saves him from a judgment to come.
1 Peter 3:20-22…when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God;
Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. The power of the Gospel message ministers Spirit, truth, and righteousness to those who receive. The Gospel was preached so man could be changed and live according to the will of God.
1 Peter 4:6…For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the Spirit.(referring to Noah, the Prophets, etc.)
Heb 4:2…For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. (Referring to Moses and the Children of Israel)
Galatians 3:8…And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, in thee shall all nations be blessed.
The power of God unto salvation has always come through preaching. Hearing, learning, and being taught the Bible in its proper context is among the greatest of God’s gifts in the body of Christ.
Eph 4:8-10…Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men vs.11…and He gave some; apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
John 6:45…It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
The true and only Gospel is:
1 Cor 15:1-4…Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
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