<> Ask the Pastor The Rev'd Walter Snyder Q: In the Apostles' Creed, what does the reference of Jesus descending into hell mean? Does this mean that Jesus preaches to the lost, allowing some here to be saved? If not, why did Jesus descend to hell? A: The reference is to 1 Peter 3:19. Actually, it is best read in context of the surrounding verses: "For Christ died once for our sins, the Righteous One of the unrighteous, to bring us to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which He also went and preached to the spirits kept in prison, who disobeyed long ago in the days of Noah when God waited patiently while the ark was being built. In this ark a few, that is, eight persons, were saved by water. In the same way also, baptism now saves us, not by washing dirt from the body, but by guaranteeing us a good conscience before God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone to heaven and is at the right hand of God, where angels, rulers, and powers have been put under him. (1 Peter 3:18--22)" The word "preach" is better translated "proclaim," for in his descent Christ proclaimed his victory over sin, death and devil. Peter then shows how people are made participants in this victory: Just as water saved Noah's family, "In the same way also, baptism now saves us." The fires of hell are quenched in the water of baptism. God accepted Jesus' atoning sacrifice for the sins of mankind; we know this because God has resurrected and exalted him so that "angels, rulers, and powers" are all subject to his rule. There is no indication that those who perished were given a second chance. They had the Word of God through Noah as well as the "action prophecy" of the ark's construction. So today, the Christian Church, its pastors, teachers, and laity bring the Word to a sinful world, that sinners might hear and believe before it is too late. Q: In John 16:8 we read that the Holy Spirit, "comes to convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgement." I take this verse to mean that the Holy Spirit awakens people to their sinning and the peril it puts them in. Does this imply that all people on earth have been "visited" by the Holy Spirit, and thus all are liable to damnation unless they accept Jesus as their Savior? Or do some die before becoming aware in this sense, e.g., babies or those living in lands where the Word is not taught, etc.? A: Since the Holy Spirit is active throughout the world, it is not incorrect to say that all have been "visited" by him. However, the Spirit's salvific work, as revealed in Scripture, is done through "means." Thus, he does not work in a vacuum, but through God's Word. Even those who've not been exposed to the Bible have a rudimentary knowledge of God's Law: It is part of their God-created humanity. Romans 2:12--16 works through this in greater detail: As Paul notes in verses 14--15, the Gentiles "are a law to themselves even though they do not have the Law. They show that what the Law requires them to do is written in their hearts. Their conscience tells the same truth, and their thoughts accuse them on one occasion or defend them on another." The Law of God, however, is only preparatory; it is the Holy Gospel which the Spirit uses to transform hearts and minds, to work faith, to save. The person and work of Jesus Christ are not revealed in nature or in the human heart, but only through the Scriptures. When Jesus speaks the words recorded in John 16 to his disciples, he is preparing them for his own departure, for the coming of his Spirit, and for their proclamation of his Word, that the Spirit might work through it to accomplish the conviction of the world. This conviction includes, as you note, the sinfulness of all people. However, the "righteousness" is not a conviction as understood in terms of guilt, for we are not "guilty" of righteousness. Rather, the Spirit uses the accusation of the Law to prepare us to receive the righteousness of Christ through baptism and true repentance. We are "convicted" of not having this righteousness, yet the Spirit at the same time imparts this righteousness to those who believe in Christ Jesus. The judgment is a source of terror for those still bound by sin. However, since "the ruler of this world is judged, (16:11)" the Christian finds comfort in the judgment, because Satan can no longer accuse us. By extension, we also joyfully await the final judgment---the coming of Christ at the end of the world. At this time, all which is repugnant to God and harmful to us will be cast off and we will be made whole. That's it for now. You can submit questions by mail to "Ask the Pastor," PO Box 1080, Jasper, Texas, 75951; E-mail xrysostom@aol.com; or just stop me on the street. Walter Snyder is the pastor of St. Paul and Faith Lutheran Churches in Jasper and Woodville, Texas and coauthor of the book "What Do Lutherans Believe? A Study Guide in Christian Teachings for Adults." Copyright (c) 1998 by Walter P. Snyder Permission is granted by author to reproduce or retransmit this by any means, provided that its content is not altered, that this notice of copyright and permission is included, and that no financial gain is realized.