Q. 44. Why is there added, “He descended into Hell?”

Question. Why is there added, “He descended into Hell?”

Answer. That in my greatest temptations, I may be assured, and wholly comfort myself in this (John 16;33): that my Lord Jesus Christ, by his inexpressible anguish, pains, terrors, and hellish agonies (Ps. 86;13), in which he was plunged during all his sufferings, but especially on the cross (Mark 15;34), hath delivered me from the anguish and torments of hell (1 Cor. 15;55, 57).

Proofs.

• [proof-1] John 16;33.—But be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.— John 14;1.—John 14;16.
• [proof-2] Ps. 86;13.—Thou hast delivered my soul from the lowest hell.— Ps. 30;3.—Matt. 26;37, 38.—Isa. 53;3.
• [proof-3] Mark 15;34.—My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?— Isa. 53;10.—Luke 12;50.
• [proof-4] 1 Cor. 15;55, 57.—O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? . . But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.— Isa. 53;4.—1 Thess. 1;10.