Jesus is dead, crucified on a cross. His body is buried in a borrowed tomb.
The devil gathers his minions and they celebrate. What Satan could not do in the desert, at the beginning of Jesus' ministry, when he spent 40 days throwing every temptation imaginable at Jesus, he has finally done, working through the jealous Pharisees and the cowardly Roman governor.
While toasting themselves with hot toddies (because all drinks there are hot!) Jesus suddenly appears in their midst, very much alive.
According to the Apostles' Creed, "He descended into hell." Thus began Jesus' exaltation.
He is victor over death and sin and the devil.
Jesus now sits at the right hand of the Father. But one day He will return to this earth "to judge the living and the dead." Come, Lord Jesus!
Until then, we wait with hope. We believe in "the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting."
The devil's banner is torn down. Jesus is very much alive - "the resurrection and the life."
Praise Jesus!
