Christ Descending into Hell shirt
[durer-3]

“About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’” (v. 46). - Matthew 27:45–46

Throughout the course of church history, many people have taught that Jesus’ spirit descended into hell after His death on the cross. Basing this idea on Ephesians 4:8–10 and 1 Peter 3:18–20, most of those who have taught that Jesus’ spirit went to hell after His death have said that He went there to proclaim judgment to sinners and/or rescue the saints of the Old Testament.

Today, some Christians teach that the crucifixion was insufficient to atone for our sins and that Jesus also had to suffer three days of torment in hell.