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"He Descended to the Dead": An Evangelical Theology of Holy Saturday
"I believe he descended to the dead." The descent of Jesus Christ to the dead has been a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith, as indicated by its inclusion in both the Apostles' and Athanasian Creeds. Falling between remembrance of Christ's death on Good Friday and of his resurrection on Easter Sunday, this affirmation has been a cause for Christian worship and reflection on Holy Saturday through the centuries. At the same time, the descent has been the subject of suspicion and scrutiny, perhaps especially from evangelicals, some of whom do not find support for it within Scripture and have even called for it to be excised from the creeds. Against this conflicted landscape, Matthew Emerson offers an exploration of the biblical, historical, theological, and practical implications of the descent. Led by the mystery and wonder of Holy Saturday, he encourages those who profess faith in Christ to consider the whole work of our Savior.
252 pages, Paperback
Published December 24, 2019
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About the author
Matthew Y. Emerson
10 books20 followersMatthew Y. Emerson (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is associate professor of religion at Oklahoma Baptist University. He is the author of The Story of Scripture: An Introduction to Biblical Theology, Between the Cross and the Throne: The Book of Revelation, and Christ and the New Creation: A Canonical Approach to the Theology of the New Testament.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
October 30, 2019
Outstanding work. Emerson convincingly argues for the credal formula found in the Apostles’ Creed where we read that Jesus “descended to the dead.” This isn’t some philosophical category being imported into the text. Instead, this is retrieval theology at its best, showing not only the biblical patterns that undergird this doctrine but also revel in it. Emerson demonstrates how Jesus’s descent undergirds other doctrines, like eternal generation and appropriation. This line from the conclusion is especially moving: “The descent . . . ought to be a great comfort to those facing death, whether their own or a loved one’s. It is part of the reason we grieve, but not as those without hope (1 Thess 4:13). When we cite Paul’s statement in funeral contexts, it is usually to point to the resurrection. And that is right and good, and the ultimate grounds of such hopeful grieving. But in the meantime, while we think of our departed dead, while we walk in their graveyards and look at their ashes and remember their lives, while we ponder our own deaths, and while we consider how long it is, O Lord, until the Second Coming, we do so with hope. We hope because Christ also remained buried in the grave, buried with us and for us. We hope because we have a High Priest who has experienced death as we all will, if the Lord tarries. We hope because we have an advocate who has experienced the pain of death and yet has done so victoriously, rising from it and drawing us with him on the last day. We therefore dig our graves, facing toward the East, knowing that as our bodies de- compose, our souls remain with Christ, awaiting the day when he will with loud trumpets return and reunite our bodies and souls so that we can live with him forever by the power of his Spirit to the glory of the Father.” Amen and amen!
January 8, 2020
As some of you know, my reviews are very personal. I should admit upfront that Matt and I had classes together before. So, I know the author.
Years ago, while reciting the Apostle's Creed in church, a friend of mine grew silent when we got to the part about "he descended to hell." We spoke about it after church, and for this young college student, his reasoning seemed solid to me for dropping it from the creed.
Over the years, due to my reading of the church fathers, I have wanted to engage a discussion about that phrase again. Matt's book gave me an opportunity to do that. Overall, this work convinced me to adopt the statement in the creed again. I thought Matt's argumentation was fair, clearly stated, and well supported (both historically and exegetically). I thought he did a very fine job anticipating objections and answering them well. He also shows how adopting the descent clause actually affects our understanding of the relationships of the two testaments and the intermediate state of believers after they die, among other things.
In short, I think everyone should read this. It is always nice to read a book from a friend that you can be proud to recommend to others. Matt's work certainly is that.
Years ago, while reciting the Apostle's Creed in church, a friend of mine grew silent when we got to the part about "he descended to hell." We spoke about it after church, and for this young college student, his reasoning seemed solid to me for dropping it from the creed.
Over the years, due to my reading of the church fathers, I have wanted to engage a discussion about that phrase again. Matt's book gave me an opportunity to do that. Overall, this work convinced me to adopt the statement in the creed again. I thought Matt's argumentation was fair, clearly stated, and well supported (both historically and exegetically). I thought he did a very fine job anticipating objections and answering them well. He also shows how adopting the descent clause actually affects our understanding of the relationships of the two testaments and the intermediate state of believers after they die, among other things.
In short, I think everyone should read this. It is always nice to read a book from a friend that you can be proud to recommend to others. Matt's work certainly is that.
June 20, 2020
All Christians have heard or repeated those words: "He descended to the dead" or, "He descended into hell." But what the Sheol does that really mean? Sounds like some spooky hocus pocus stuff, right? Well, not quite.
Matthew Emerson has written this book in order to metaphorically hold the hands of confused evangelicals and introduce them to this classic doctrine of the 'descent' (no, not the classic PC video game by the same name - though many a happy hour did I there spend!). So what is the argument of the book, in a nutshell? From page 103:
"... the confession that Christ 'descended to the dead' can be summarized like this:
Elsewhere, he expands on this a bit and claims that:
"- Christ 'releases' the OT saints, by which we mean simply that, rather than dwelling in Abraham's bosom (or paradise) awaiting the Messiah, they now dwell in the presence of the risen Christ."
By and large I found it compelling, fascinating, and edifying. This was especially true for the first three or four chapters - which form the heart of his biblical and historical work. In later chapters however I sometimes found it a bit tedious, and I confess I even skipped a few footnotes. The author takes to time to interact with many scholarly papers and historical arguments related to this and other related doctrines and it had a tendency to get a bit overly technical for a non-scholar such as myself. The book is clearly aimed at pastors and Bible college or seminary students. But the author won me back by always keeping an eye on the practical implications both personal and corporate of the truths he was dealing with.
The author states his hope at the very start of the book: "My goal ... is simple: to recover the doctrine of the descent for evangelicals today." I think he is successful in that regard. In 95% of his work, he is not dealing with any kind of opposing view among evangelicals. There is simply nothing there. We don't have a theology of the descent; we don't know what to do with it. We avoid it. The book therefore serves to cure our ignorance historically, Biblically, and theologically. There are riches and truths to gain and grow from here that we ought not miss out on any longer.
Matthew Emerson has written this book in order to metaphorically hold the hands of confused evangelicals and introduce them to this classic doctrine of the 'descent' (no, not the classic PC video game by the same name - though many a happy hour did I there spend!). So what is the argument of the book, in a nutshell? From page 103:
"... the confession that Christ 'descended to the dead' can be summarized like this:
Christ, in remaining dead for three days, experienced death as all humans do: his body remained in the grave, and his soul remained in the place of the righteous dead. He did not suffer there, but, remaining the incarnate Son, proclaimed the victory procured by his penal substitutionary death to all those in the place of the dead - fallen angels, the unrighteous dead, and the OT saints. Christ's descent is thus primarily the beginning of his exaltation, not a continuation of his humiliation."
Elsewhere, he expands on this a bit and claims that:
"- Christ 'releases' the OT saints, by which we mean simply that, rather than dwelling in Abraham's bosom (or paradise) awaiting the Messiah, they now dwell in the presence of the risen Christ."
By and large I found it compelling, fascinating, and edifying. This was especially true for the first three or four chapters - which form the heart of his biblical and historical work. In later chapters however I sometimes found it a bit tedious, and I confess I even skipped a few footnotes. The author takes to time to interact with many scholarly papers and historical arguments related to this and other related doctrines and it had a tendency to get a bit overly technical for a non-scholar such as myself. The book is clearly aimed at pastors and Bible college or seminary students. But the author won me back by always keeping an eye on the practical implications both personal and corporate of the truths he was dealing with.
The author states his hope at the very start of the book: "My goal ... is simple: to recover the doctrine of the descent for evangelicals today." I think he is successful in that regard. In 95% of his work, he is not dealing with any kind of opposing view among evangelicals. There is simply nothing there. We don't have a theology of the descent; we don't know what to do with it. We avoid it. The book therefore serves to cure our ignorance historically, Biblically, and theologically. There are riches and truths to gain and grow from here that we ought not miss out on any longer.
April 10, 2022
What a great book. You know a book is good when you finish it thoroughly convinced of the author's thesis.
This was a deep academic (yet still pretty accessible) look at the theology of Christ's descent. I've wondered about some of the questions Emerson answers. Did Jesus actually go to Hell? What does it mean he preached to the dead? If he went to hell for us, does that mean when he said "it is finished" it really wasn't?
I'm so grateful to have finished up this book in time for Easter, as I have such a renewed appreciation for Holy Saturday coming up soon.
This was a deep academic (yet still pretty accessible) look at the theology of Christ's descent. I've wondered about some of the questions Emerson answers. Did Jesus actually go to Hell? What does it mean he preached to the dead? If he went to hell for us, does that mean when he said "it is finished" it really wasn't?
I'm so grateful to have finished up this book in time for Easter, as I have such a renewed appreciation for Holy Saturday coming up soon.
January 17, 2023
The best (and only) book I've ever read on the Doctrine of the Descent! Dr. Matthew Emerson does a great job exegetically defending the doctrine and showing its importance for other Christian doctrines. This doctrine should make its way into evangelical church calendars, liturgical practices, and should be a part of pastoral counseling to those struggling through grief over death. Can't recommend this enough!
March 22, 2021
Came for the clarifying, hope-inspiring call for credal resourcement in evangelical settings with respect to Holy Saturday's significance that Emerson satisfyingly delivers; stayed for the repeated-dunking-on of Wayne Grudem from start to finish.
August 10, 2023
A decent book on the descent of Christ, though unnecessarily verbose and imprecise in places. I think it could be 20-30% shorter without losing anything.
If you’re just going to read one book on the topic I’d recommend Samuel Renihan’s “Crux Mors Inferi” instead, for a tighter and clearer case. Though this book does more sketching out of how the descent connects with other points of doctrine which is helpful.
If you’re just going to read one book on the topic I’d recommend Samuel Renihan’s “Crux Mors Inferi” instead, for a tighter and clearer case. Though this book does more sketching out of how the descent connects with other points of doctrine which is helpful.
February 23, 2022
Excellent treatment. Wished he had given more space to the WLC and Heidelberg Catechism in their treatment of the descent, but since it's written from a broad evangelical and baptist perspective, it's understandable that he doesn't devote much space. I found myself agreeing with many of his conclusions.
September 5, 2020
The highest praise I can give this book is that it persuaded me to change my mind. Emerson convincingly shows that the doctrine of Christ's descent to the dead is a biblical doctrine and historically warranted in the church's tradition. Emerson clarifies misunderstandings and anticipates common objections. Nearly all my previous misunderstandings and hesitations were addressed and sufficiently answered.
The breadth of research is amazing and results in a thorough survey about how the descent relates to other vital doctrines in Christian theology and the Christian life. Emerson's careful, but doxological writing style makes this book both educational and edifying. It is worthy to be purchased, read, and revisited.
The breadth of research is amazing and results in a thorough survey about how the descent relates to other vital doctrines in Christian theology and the Christian life. Emerson's careful, but doxological writing style makes this book both educational and edifying. It is worthy to be purchased, read, and revisited.
March 13, 2021
This is an incredible book. The phrase “He descended into hell” from the apostles creed has always been a head scratcher. Alongside verses about Abraham’s bosom and Christ preaching to the dead in 1 Peter 3:19 most people (myself included) don’t know what to do with it. But this book pieces it together. He also somehow manages to be academically rigorous without becoming inaccessible. If the phrase “he descended to hell” has ever bothered you, then you must read this book.
June 17, 2025
Holy Saturday is a topic too easily ignored in churches today. Emerson brings much needed attention to the foundations and implications of Christ's descent, and he summarizes the topic well.
The first portion of the book discussed the validity of the creed's statement, "He descended to the dead." After musing on the mordern church's mistreatment of creeds, Emerson walked through Scriptural evidence and cleared up misunderstandings of the historical affirmation (ie, Christ was not tortured in Hell). This portion was very accessible and highly recommendable.
The second portion discussed how the descent affects other doctrines, from theology and anthropology all the way to eschatology. This section tackled more recent (and controversial) debates among theologians, and would be less accessible to the layperson. Though it did get repetitive by the last couple chapters, the discussion was still interesting.
The final portion was a chapter devoted to local church applications, mostly to do with (1) the use of creeds, and the use of confessions that have different views, and (2) the pastoral use of the image of Christ experiencing true human death yet being victorious. This was brief, which is a little anticlimactic after such a large framework was presented, but it was more than enough application for such an obscure facet of Christology.
I enjoyed reading the book, and feel like Emerson articulated and defended all his positions well. I recommend this book to anyone who questions why the creeds say Christ "descended to hell." The first three chapters are worth the price of the whole book for that use, in my opinion. If that's not your opinion, then I recommend the book to anyone who knows someone who questions the creeds on this point, so that they can (better) explain it to them.
The first portion of the book discussed the validity of the creed's statement, "He descended to the dead." After musing on the mordern church's mistreatment of creeds, Emerson walked through Scriptural evidence and cleared up misunderstandings of the historical affirmation (ie, Christ was not tortured in Hell). This portion was very accessible and highly recommendable.
The second portion discussed how the descent affects other doctrines, from theology and anthropology all the way to eschatology. This section tackled more recent (and controversial) debates among theologians, and would be less accessible to the layperson. Though it did get repetitive by the last couple chapters, the discussion was still interesting.
The final portion was a chapter devoted to local church applications, mostly to do with (1) the use of creeds, and the use of confessions that have different views, and (2) the pastoral use of the image of Christ experiencing true human death yet being victorious. This was brief, which is a little anticlimactic after such a large framework was presented, but it was more than enough application for such an obscure facet of Christology.
I enjoyed reading the book, and feel like Emerson articulated and defended all his positions well. I recommend this book to anyone who questions why the creeds say Christ "descended to hell." The first three chapters are worth the price of the whole book for that use, in my opinion. If that's not your opinion, then I recommend the book to anyone who knows someone who questions the creeds on this point, so that they can (better) explain it to them.
March 16, 2021
I spent a good chunk of my early 20s in a church that recited the Apostle's creed without the decensus. Lately, as I've been trending towards more historic traditions, I've found that decision more and more curious. In this book, Emerson provides a way to understand the descent that is in keeping with both historic and evangelical frameworks.
This book is at its best when walking through the passages related to the descent (minor note that 1 Peter 3 is not necessary for this) and the historical understandings of the doctrine. In particular, Jesus' words about the sign of Jonah were convincing and powerful for me, especially when considering the parallelism between "Sheol" and "the depths of the sea" in the OT. Also Philippians 2, in which Paul describes Jesus as meriting worship in Heaven, Earth, and Under the Earth (Sheol). This book can be a bit dense and academic at times, and I definitely got lost a few times while reading about universalism and Balthasar in particular.
(On another note, the descent should make us question modernist, reductionistic, "scientific" understandings of the atonement: his death and descent BEGIN the victory proclamation. The way of the cross is the way of victory. Jesus can do so because he is the archetype, the image we are made after. Okay, off my soapbox.)
I also really loved the meditation on Baptism, our union with Christ in his death/descent, and how that gives us comfort in the face of our own impending deaths. For the Christian, everything is union with Christ. Even death.
"We hope because Christ also remained buried in the grave, buried with us and for us. We hope because we have a high priest who has experienced death as we all will, if the Lord tarries. We hope because we have an advocate who has experienced the pain of death and yet has done so victoriously, rising from it and drawing us with him on the last day."
This book is at its best when walking through the passages related to the descent (minor note that 1 Peter 3 is not necessary for this) and the historical understandings of the doctrine. In particular, Jesus' words about the sign of Jonah were convincing and powerful for me, especially when considering the parallelism between "Sheol" and "the depths of the sea" in the OT. Also Philippians 2, in which Paul describes Jesus as meriting worship in Heaven, Earth, and Under the Earth (Sheol). This book can be a bit dense and academic at times, and I definitely got lost a few times while reading about universalism and Balthasar in particular.
(On another note, the descent should make us question modernist, reductionistic, "scientific" understandings of the atonement: his death and descent BEGIN the victory proclamation. The way of the cross is the way of victory. Jesus can do so because he is the archetype, the image we are made after. Okay, off my soapbox.)
I also really loved the meditation on Baptism, our union with Christ in his death/descent, and how that gives us comfort in the face of our own impending deaths. For the Christian, everything is union with Christ. Even death.
"We hope because Christ also remained buried in the grave, buried with us and for us. We hope because we have a high priest who has experienced death as we all will, if the Lord tarries. We hope because we have an advocate who has experienced the pain of death and yet has done so victoriously, rising from it and drawing us with him on the last day."
December 19, 2024
When a church recites the Apostle’s Creed, you can count on two footnotes. One for “Catholic Church,” explaining that it doesn’t mean “Roman Catholicism.” And one for “He descended into hell.”
Emerson’s book covers what may seem to be a niche or tertiary doctrine (Christ’s descent to the place of the dead), but he shows the riches that the doctrine can offer. Emerson walks through biblical warrant for the descent clause (and what it does and doesn’t mean), theological ramifications of the doctrine, and then implications for the Christian life. His arguments are broad in scope and narrow in focus, and he handles all relevant sources in a compelling way.
While I disagree with his progressive covenants conclusions (and would love to see it from a Reformed Baptist lens), the differences are minute. For those interested in that often footnoted phrase in the Apostle’s Creed, this book is a myriad of help.
Emerson’s book covers what may seem to be a niche or tertiary doctrine (Christ’s descent to the place of the dead), but he shows the riches that the doctrine can offer. Emerson walks through biblical warrant for the descent clause (and what it does and doesn’t mean), theological ramifications of the doctrine, and then implications for the Christian life. His arguments are broad in scope and narrow in focus, and he handles all relevant sources in a compelling way.
While I disagree with his progressive covenants conclusions (and would love to see it from a Reformed Baptist lens), the differences are minute. For those interested in that often footnoted phrase in the Apostle’s Creed, this book is a myriad of help.
July 5, 2022
3.5 stars (mainly my own fault)
This book is good for those who have been or are currently part of traditions that remove the descent clause from the creeds and are now curious as to why. Emerson does a good job of explaining how evangelicals have misunderstood the descent doctrine and why this doctrine is important.
This book is not good for those who want to dive into a deeper understanding of the descent without first needing to be persuaded of its validity. This is very much an introduction and a framework for arguing for the descent from an evangelical/reformed standpoint.
It was worth the read but not exactly what I was hoping for in the moment. That said, I liked his connecting the descent to baptism, Sabbath rest and the communion of the saints (chapter 8 was my favorite)—as well as his explanation of the Jewish understanding of the place of the dead (Sheol) vs hell.
This book is good for those who have been or are currently part of traditions that remove the descent clause from the creeds and are now curious as to why. Emerson does a good job of explaining how evangelicals have misunderstood the descent doctrine and why this doctrine is important.
This book is not good for those who want to dive into a deeper understanding of the descent without first needing to be persuaded of its validity. This is very much an introduction and a framework for arguing for the descent from an evangelical/reformed standpoint.
It was worth the read but not exactly what I was hoping for in the moment. That said, I liked his connecting the descent to baptism, Sabbath rest and the communion of the saints (chapter 8 was my favorite)—as well as his explanation of the Jewish understanding of the place of the dead (Sheol) vs hell.
May 4, 2020
What an incredible book. I think I enjoyed it so much because Emerson covers a topic that I’ve had opinions on but not as thoroughly as I ought. It is biblical, theological, and pastoral. This book should be required reading for all pastors, as well as widely read by the church. Emerson handles the topic in the frame of biblical theology but doesn’t stray away from tough exegetical and historical debates. Highly recommend.
May 29, 2020
This book was an excellent defense of the Apostle's Creed and it's continued use by the church. Focusing on the descent in particular, he showed that rightly understood, this portion of the creed should certainly be part of the confession. Apart from a few minor theological differences, I certainly recommend this book to anyone interested in this doctrine.
April 13, 2023
Though I attended more liturgical churches as a small child, my theologically formative years were spent in very Reformed-leaning evangelical contexts where we did not recite the creeds, and shied away from anything too “Catholic”. The first time I was meaningfully introduced to the doctrine of the descent was when a friend of mine in campus ministry brought up the “Harrowing of Hell” and promptly dismissed it as unbiblical.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve grown more interested in liturgy and have recently found a home in a liturgical church setting where we recite the creeds each week. I’ve felt the need to revisit the descent for a while, and after listening to a podcast episode on the subject where this book was recommended, I decided to pick up a copy to read prior to Holy Saturday this year. This book was excellent - though I wouldn’t say that all of it is particularly approachable (a few of the discussions definitely went a bit over my head, and I had to look up some things to make sure I was tracking), I felt that it was in general very well argued, and it did its job in impressing upon me the importance and relevance of the doctrine.
Here’s a short concluding excerpt:
“We hope because Christ also remained buried in the grave, buried with us and for us. We hope because we have a High Priest who has experienced death as we all will, if the Lord tarries. We hope because we have an advocate who has experienced the pain of death and yet has done so victoriously rising from it and drawing us with him on the last day.” (Pg. 220)
Over the last couple of years, I’ve grown more interested in liturgy and have recently found a home in a liturgical church setting where we recite the creeds each week. I’ve felt the need to revisit the descent for a while, and after listening to a podcast episode on the subject where this book was recommended, I decided to pick up a copy to read prior to Holy Saturday this year. This book was excellent - though I wouldn’t say that all of it is particularly approachable (a few of the discussions definitely went a bit over my head, and I had to look up some things to make sure I was tracking), I felt that it was in general very well argued, and it did its job in impressing upon me the importance and relevance of the doctrine.
Here’s a short concluding excerpt:
“We hope because Christ also remained buried in the grave, buried with us and for us. We hope because we have a High Priest who has experienced death as we all will, if the Lord tarries. We hope because we have an advocate who has experienced the pain of death and yet has done so victoriously rising from it and drawing us with him on the last day.” (Pg. 220)
April 28, 2025
(3.5⭐️) Presented a compelling argument for the importance of the descent in systematic theology. However, I don’t think this argumentative piece needed to be a 220-page book. There were several repeated themes and pieces of evidence that felt redundant. Chapters 2 and 3 were most helpful for me to deepen my understanding of the doctrine of the descent.
September 8, 2025
Don’t be fooled by the Stranger Things and Harry Potter references in the preface — this is an academic book. Challenging read at times, but super interesting.
I didn’t grow up in a tradition that talked about Holy Saturday much, but I’ve found it to be a meaningful day in adulthood, so it was cool to read some exegesis on what the Bible says about it and some historical analysis of beliefs. I enjoyed it, although it took me a long time to finish.
I didn’t grow up in a tradition that talked about Holy Saturday much, but I’ve found it to be a meaningful day in adulthood, so it was cool to read some exegesis on what the Bible says about it and some historical analysis of beliefs. I enjoyed it, although it took me a long time to finish.
April 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this. It had a good mix of theology, bible, history and practicality. It was redundant and dense in some places. However it greatly enriched my understanding of Holy Saturday and helped me sharpen my position. I was thankful for it and widely recommend.
September 15, 2022
This book went over my head a bit but what I did glean from it was great stuff. I've never really heard much about what happened on Holy Saturday so this was really an eye opening, and oddly comforting, read. If you don't mind reading an academic book, I definitely recommend this one.
July 3, 2023
Fabulous discussion on the descent of Christ, including thinking through why the conversation even matters. Ended up with many additions to my “to buy” list of books thanks to the footnotes!
July 30, 2023
Excellent, from start to finish.
The first chapter on theological method is worth the price of the book.
The first chapter on theological method is worth the price of the book.
March 30, 2021
This is a somewhat technical book on the creedal assertion that Jesus descended to the dead between His crucifixion and resurrection. The impetus for the book seems to be a demand by theologian Wayne Grudem to rid the creeds of this phrase. Grudem is an old nemesis from college days, so I am in full sympathy with Emerson.
First, Emerson rewords the Latin translation "descended to hell" as "descended to the dead," a presumably allowable move. Next he surveys the Biblical and historical record to show that Jesus died a human death and preached victory to the spirits in prison/Sheol. He makes clear that Hades or Sheol is divided into separate compartments for the righteous and unrighteous dead and fallen angels. He goes on to demonstrate the import of his argument. There is a lot of Greek and a little Latin which can be a problem for the lay reader.
This was an interesting read as we approach Holy Week. Holy Saturday is an event little considered by evangelicals, probably something we preachers should remedy.
First, Emerson rewords the Latin translation "descended to hell" as "descended to the dead," a presumably allowable move. Next he surveys the Biblical and historical record to show that Jesus died a human death and preached victory to the spirits in prison/Sheol. He makes clear that Hades or Sheol is divided into separate compartments for the righteous and unrighteous dead and fallen angels. He goes on to demonstrate the import of his argument. There is a lot of Greek and a little Latin which can be a problem for the lay reader.
This was an interesting read as we approach Holy Week. Holy Saturday is an event little considered by evangelicals, probably something we preachers should remedy.
March 23, 2024
Probably had more to do with me expecting this to be solely reflections on Holy Saturday and the apostle’s creed than it really was
April 16, 2021
Много свежа.
May 6, 2021
An outstanding book. The way theology ought to be written: rooted in the Bible and in our creeds, conversant with the history of interpretation, and sensitive to the interconnectedness of doctrine. There were a couple of chapters in the second half of the book that felt a bit weak to me, but overall this was brilliant.
March 30, 2020
A very helpful book, so much so that it changed my view on the descent from Calvin's idiosyncratic view to the classical one. Emerson's work is a great example of what a multi-disciplinary approach to a theological topic should look like. He effectively works through Old and New Testament texts related to Christ going to the realm of the dead, demonstrating great facility with the scholarly issues pertaining to those subjects (i.e. ANE, Second Temple Judaism, etc.). He also gives a helpful survey of the way the descent clause in the Creed was understood in church history, with a particular focus on the ancient and modern church. He also makes good dogmatic arguments pertaining to soteriology, eschatology, ecclesiology, etc. I really learned a lot from this book and would highly recommend it. The descent, while not at the level of the doctrine of the Trinity, is nonetheless a very important doctrine that effects many aspects of the faith. It's not something to be dismissed, but confessed and embraced as part of our overall evangelical theology.
April 11, 2020
Matthew Emerson's book newest book, He Descended to the Dead, is fantastic! Matthew is a professor at Oklahoma Baptist University and the newly appointed dean of the Hobbs College of Theology and Ministry. Emerson is also the executive director at The Center for Baptist Renewal and blogger at Biblical Reasoning.
Book Overview
Emerson's chief aim with the book is to "show the biblical and historical warrant for the descent so that, in turn, we can see how vital this doctrine is for the confession and ministry of the church" (xiii). The descent to which he is referring is the line in the Apostles' and Athanasian creeds that read, "he descended into hell." This line in both of these historic creeds, Emerson argues, has been distorted from its original meaning. As the title lays out, and Emerson contends late in the book, he prefers for the lines to be translated, "he descended to the dead" as to avoid confusion about where exactly Jesus went on Holy Saturday.
To argue his case, Emerson breaks the book up into three parts. Part one lays the biblical, historical, and theological framework for why we ought to understand that Jesus actually went to the portion of the departed reserved for the faithful (Abraham's bosom, paradise, etc.) on Holy Saturday. Further, he shows, rather convincingly, how we have come to have a common misunderstanding about the creedal descent clause. He does this by interacting with current scholarship as well as looking at the church fathers, reformers, and icons. This was extremely helpful and laid an excellent base for the issues dealt with later in the book.
Part two moves into the theological implications for such an understanding of the clause. Here he discusses how a proper understanding (or misunderstanding) informs how we understand classical Trinitarian theology, the doctrine of creation, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. As he notes early on in the book, Christian theology is a fabric, and if you pull on even one thread, it will have implications for the rest of the work (16). This section was my favorite of the three. I had no idea just how formative Calvin's (wrong) teaching on this issue had been on Christian thought (and by association, my thought). After reading this section, I have a more in-depth and more holistic appreciation of baptism than I did previously. And, in about a page, Emerson convinced me to be buried when I die--prior, I did not have strong feelings one way or the other.
Part three consists of one chapter and provides practical Christian life and pastoral implications of a proper understanding of the descent. If I can offer any critique (outside of minor theological squabbles here and there), this is the section in which I was left wanting. In my view, this is part of the pitfall of many theological works. Admittedly, in a footnote at the outset of the chapter, Emerson points readers to the work of Alan Lewis, who has taken up the implications a bit more thoroughly. However, as a Christian, and particularly a pastor, I'm always interested in the advice for how academic theology can be applied to the sheep in the pasture. Although, I suppose that's my job as the reader (to take the theology and apply it), so I won't complain too loudly.
General Notes and Observations
This book has an academic feel (because, why not? Matt is an academic), but it's also written very accessibly. Even the parts of the book that were very technical were written and explained so well that most anyone that picks it up will benefit from it. I also found it hilarious that, at least three times, Emerson felt the need to state, explicitly, that he fully affirms penal substitutionary atonement. He expected, and probably rightly that people were going to misread him (particularly while he contradicted Calvin). Finally, the book is exceptionally well written. I constantly came to the end of chapters or sections with questions, just to find those questions taken up in the very next section. This is the type of writing every reader wants to read.
My ultimate recommendation is: get the book! This was an excellent read, and I expect that you'd benefit from it as well.
http://mattboga.com/2020/04/11/20-quo...
Book Overview
Emerson's chief aim with the book is to "show the biblical and historical warrant for the descent so that, in turn, we can see how vital this doctrine is for the confession and ministry of the church" (xiii). The descent to which he is referring is the line in the Apostles' and Athanasian creeds that read, "he descended into hell." This line in both of these historic creeds, Emerson argues, has been distorted from its original meaning. As the title lays out, and Emerson contends late in the book, he prefers for the lines to be translated, "he descended to the dead" as to avoid confusion about where exactly Jesus went on Holy Saturday.
To argue his case, Emerson breaks the book up into three parts. Part one lays the biblical, historical, and theological framework for why we ought to understand that Jesus actually went to the portion of the departed reserved for the faithful (Abraham's bosom, paradise, etc.) on Holy Saturday. Further, he shows, rather convincingly, how we have come to have a common misunderstanding about the creedal descent clause. He does this by interacting with current scholarship as well as looking at the church fathers, reformers, and icons. This was extremely helpful and laid an excellent base for the issues dealt with later in the book.
Part two moves into the theological implications for such an understanding of the clause. Here he discusses how a proper understanding (or misunderstanding) informs how we understand classical Trinitarian theology, the doctrine of creation, Christology, soteriology, ecclesiology, and eschatology. As he notes early on in the book, Christian theology is a fabric, and if you pull on even one thread, it will have implications for the rest of the work (16). This section was my favorite of the three. I had no idea just how formative Calvin's (wrong) teaching on this issue had been on Christian thought (and by association, my thought). After reading this section, I have a more in-depth and more holistic appreciation of baptism than I did previously. And, in about a page, Emerson convinced me to be buried when I die--prior, I did not have strong feelings one way or the other.
Part three consists of one chapter and provides practical Christian life and pastoral implications of a proper understanding of the descent. If I can offer any critique (outside of minor theological squabbles here and there), this is the section in which I was left wanting. In my view, this is part of the pitfall of many theological works. Admittedly, in a footnote at the outset of the chapter, Emerson points readers to the work of Alan Lewis, who has taken up the implications a bit more thoroughly. However, as a Christian, and particularly a pastor, I'm always interested in the advice for how academic theology can be applied to the sheep in the pasture. Although, I suppose that's my job as the reader (to take the theology and apply it), so I won't complain too loudly.
General Notes and Observations
This book has an academic feel (because, why not? Matt is an academic), but it's also written very accessibly. Even the parts of the book that were very technical were written and explained so well that most anyone that picks it up will benefit from it. I also found it hilarious that, at least three times, Emerson felt the need to state, explicitly, that he fully affirms penal substitutionary atonement. He expected, and probably rightly that people were going to misread him (particularly while he contradicted Calvin). Finally, the book is exceptionally well written. I constantly came to the end of chapters or sections with questions, just to find those questions taken up in the very next section. This is the type of writing every reader wants to read.
My ultimate recommendation is: get the book! This was an excellent read, and I expect that you'd benefit from it as well.
http://mattboga.com/2020/04/11/20-quo...
May 12, 2020
I Needed This Book, You Might Too!
This book is for pastors, church leaders and scholars. I did not find it overly technical and I would highly recommend for a lay elder or a serious student of the Bible.
I do not personally know Matthew, but I want to thank him for this book. I needed to read this and I think there are probably many pastors and church leaders in evangelical churches that need to work through this book.
I, like many pastors, was trained using Wayne Grudem’s widely used and influential “Systematic Theology.” I distinctly remember going through Grudem’s arguments as to why the phrase “He descended into the dead” should not be in the Apostle’s Creed. For the past 15 years that has been my default position and explanation. Matthew Emerson has helped me seriously question the arguments and explanations given by Grudem. If for no other reason, I would recommend this book just to encourage other brothers and sisters who have been thinking the same way about this doctrine of Christ’s decent.
Furthermore, I needed this book because I am working on PhD and studying the ascent of Jesus. This book was full of footnotes of gold for my studies. So again, thank you Matthew!
I needed this book because my studies on the ascension have caused me to wrestle with a lot of questions about the afterlife, the intermediate state, what it means to be human, and a host of other things. It felt like each of the chapters of this book started scratching exactly where I have been itching.
My guess is that even if you have not been theologically “itching” in the same places I have been, you will still really be helped by the excellent scholarly work done in this book. I would give it 5 stars but I am still undecided on a few of the conclusions that Emerson proposes here. There were also a few times that I wanted a little bit more on some of the arguments.
My hope is that many evangelicals will read this book and at the bare minimum they will want to recite the Apostle’s Creed in their personal devotions, their corporate worship, and use it as a tool for discipleship. I think we evangelicals can elevate our view of tradition and still maintain a superior view of Holy Scripture.
This book is for pastors, church leaders and scholars. I did not find it overly technical and I would highly recommend for a lay elder or a serious student of the Bible.
I do not personally know Matthew, but I want to thank him for this book. I needed to read this and I think there are probably many pastors and church leaders in evangelical churches that need to work through this book.
I, like many pastors, was trained using Wayne Grudem’s widely used and influential “Systematic Theology.” I distinctly remember going through Grudem’s arguments as to why the phrase “He descended into the dead” should not be in the Apostle’s Creed. For the past 15 years that has been my default position and explanation. Matthew Emerson has helped me seriously question the arguments and explanations given by Grudem. If for no other reason, I would recommend this book just to encourage other brothers and sisters who have been thinking the same way about this doctrine of Christ’s decent.
Furthermore, I needed this book because I am working on PhD and studying the ascent of Jesus. This book was full of footnotes of gold for my studies. So again, thank you Matthew!
I needed this book because my studies on the ascension have caused me to wrestle with a lot of questions about the afterlife, the intermediate state, what it means to be human, and a host of other things. It felt like each of the chapters of this book started scratching exactly where I have been itching.
My guess is that even if you have not been theologically “itching” in the same places I have been, you will still really be helped by the excellent scholarly work done in this book. I would give it 5 stars but I am still undecided on a few of the conclusions that Emerson proposes here. There were also a few times that I wanted a little bit more on some of the arguments.
My hope is that many evangelicals will read this book and at the bare minimum they will want to recite the Apostle’s Creed in their personal devotions, their corporate worship, and use it as a tool for discipleship. I think we evangelicals can elevate our view of tradition and still maintain a superior view of Holy Scripture.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews