May 06 – They Overcame Hell!

“For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, Nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” (Psalm 16:10)

Because of Adam’s sin, the saints of the Old Testament were held captive in the realm of the dead (Hades) by Satan. Jacob cried in sorrow, “You will bring my gray hair down to the grave in sorrow” (Genesis 42:38). David said, “The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me” (Psalm 18:5). Job declared, “Sheol is my house” (Job 17:13).

But through His death on Calvary, Jesus Christ conquered not only Satan, but also death and Hades. He took the keys of Hades from Satan, descended into that realm, and set free all the Old Testament saints who had been held captive.

The Bible says: “Being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit… by whom also He went and preached to the spirits in prison.” (1 Peter 3:18–20)

Even in Hades, Jesus preached and proclaimed victory. The power of death could not overcome Him. To redeem those held there, He paid the price with His own blood. Hebrews 9:15 tells us that His death was to redeem the transgressions under the first covenant.

The sins of Old Testament believers were covered—but not fully cleansed (Psalm 32:1). They had to wait until the sacrifice of Christ for complete redemption.

In Hades, Lazarus rested in Abraham’s bosom. But after the crucifixion, Jesus led all the redeemed out of captivity and ascended on high (Ephesians 4:8).

He established Paradise, where the thief on the cross and the Old Testament saints, entered into rest with Him.

What gave Jesus victory over Hades? It was the power of His resurrection. That is why Paul longed for this power: “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…” (Philippians 3:10–11). He counted everything else as loss to gain that power.

Dear child of God, even today, the Lord has given you authority over the power of hell. He has promised that the gates of Hades will not prevail against you. Through the power of the Gospel, you are called to rescue those heading toward destruction and lead them into the path of life.

Verse for further meditation: “I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore… And I have the keys of Hades and of Death.” (Revelation 1:18)