Wilson on Article III: Of the going down of Christ into Hell

a As Christ by his body descended into the bowels of the earth, so, his soul severed from his body, he descended into hell : and therewith also the virtue and efficacy of his death so pierced through to the dead, and to very hell itself, that both the souls of the unbelieving felt their most painful and just damnation for infidelity, and Satan himself, the prince of hell, felt that all the power of his tyranny and darkness was weakened, vanquished, and fallen to ruin. On the other side, the dead, which, while they lived, believed in Christ, understood that the work of their redemption was now finished, and under- stood and perceived the effect and strength thereof with most sweet and assured comfort. John v. 25. xi. 25, 26. Rom. xiv. 9. Col. i. 19, 20. Nowell, p. 52.

He descended into hell. Apost. Creed.

a 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. Eph. iv. 9, 10. By which he went and preached unto the spirits in prison. 1 Pet. iii. 19. My flesh shall rest in hope. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thy Holy One to see corruption. Ps.

xvi. 10, 11. Acts ii. 26. To this end Christ both died and rose and revived, that he might be the Lord both of the dead and the living1. Rom. xiv. 9. That through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil ; and deliver them, who through fear of death were all their life- time subject to bondage. Heb. ii. 14, 15. O death, where is thy sting ? O grave, where is thy vic- tory ? 1 Cor. xv. 55.