The Eastern Orthodox Church has a major emphasis on Good Friday through Easter and the emphasis is on what is sometimes called the "harrowing of hell," the descent of Christ into hell between the Cross and the Resurrection.
This subject has been on my mind all week. For many years I realize I was influenced by either church history (my own as well as that of the saints), Milton's writings, and sermons I'd heard over the years. This year I decided to do a deep dive myself. The I Peter 3:19-20 passage; Matthew 27:50. I poured over this writing for today twice. Primarily I rejoice that He paid the price and that His mercy runs deep.
Scott, your deep dive into the liberation of the Saints in Hell from an Orthodox perspective is truly enlightening. As someone who has been exploring the Anglican/Orthodox traditions after being rooted in a more Evangelical culture, I find myself increasingly drawn to the richness of theological, liturgical, and scriptural nuances that may have been overlooked before. This concept of Christ's liberation of the Saints between the Cross/Resurrection events carries significant implications for my understanding of salvation in the nature of Christ's redemptive work. You said it yourself, in the Orthodox tradition, this event is referred to as the "harrowing of hell", emphasizing Christ's triumph over death in the grave. It is profound and shouldn't be underestimated. For me, it carries implications for the deeper understanding of Salvation and the assurance it offers to Christ followers...it speaks of the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work extending beyond the boundaries of time and space. It reminds me that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work within us, enabling us to live victoriously in the midst of life's challenges. It invites me to trust in Christ's promises... to live with renewed sense of hope and assurance knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ our Lord. While I explore these deeper theological dimensions, it not only enriches my spiritual journey but also opens up new perspectives on the unity of the church across different traditions. It reminds me of the importance of delving into the Theological AND historical foundations of our faith, allowing me to appreciate the diverse interconnection of Christian thought and practice. Thank you for sharing your insights and prompting for the reflection of these essential aspects of our faith journey. Appreciatively and Happy Easter to you and yours.
Scot, can you recommend some basic reading in Eastern Orthodox theology?
I've read some articles about their views on original sin a long time ago, and found them fascinating and encouraging, but I don't know how to find a good "begin to understand" book.
I have enjoyed Alexander Schmemann’s books: For the Life of the World and The Eucharist. Also Simon Chan, who is a Pentecostal theologian but brings in a lot of Eastern Orthodox thought into his work: Spiritual Theology or Liturgical Theology are good ones.
I love learning about the different ways the church has understood various doctrines over time… it brings home to me the richness of God through Christ, and that we do not have to have it all perfectly understood in order to follow. It is ours to abide in Him and follow Him, and our understanding will increase when we do so… praise to God, who brings salvation through Jesus the Lord!
A couple years back I included Mt 27:52-53 in a sermon and many of my congregants had never heard that passage preached even though they grew up in the church. I wonder why we hesitate to include it.
This subject has been on my mind all week. For many years I realize I was influenced by either church history (my own as well as that of the saints), Milton's writings, and sermons I'd heard over the years. This year I decided to do a deep dive myself. The I Peter 3:19-20 passage; Matthew 27:50. I poured over this writing for today twice. Primarily I rejoice that He paid the price and that His mercy runs deep.
Scott, your deep dive into the liberation of the Saints in Hell from an Orthodox perspective is truly enlightening. As someone who has been exploring the Anglican/Orthodox traditions after being rooted in a more Evangelical culture, I find myself increasingly drawn to the richness of theological, liturgical, and scriptural nuances that may have been overlooked before. This concept of Christ's liberation of the Saints between the Cross/Resurrection events carries significant implications for my understanding of salvation in the nature of Christ's redemptive work. You said it yourself, in the Orthodox tradition, this event is referred to as the "harrowing of hell", emphasizing Christ's triumph over death in the grave. It is profound and shouldn't be underestimated. For me, it carries implications for the deeper understanding of Salvation and the assurance it offers to Christ followers...it speaks of the comprehensive nature of Christ's redemptive work extending beyond the boundaries of time and space. It reminds me that the same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work within us, enabling us to live victoriously in the midst of life's challenges. It invites me to trust in Christ's promises... to live with renewed sense of hope and assurance knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ our Lord. While I explore these deeper theological dimensions, it not only enriches my spiritual journey but also opens up new perspectives on the unity of the church across different traditions. It reminds me of the importance of delving into the Theological AND historical foundations of our faith, allowing me to appreciate the diverse interconnection of Christian thought and practice. Thank you for sharing your insights and prompting for the reflection of these essential aspects of our faith journey. Appreciatively and Happy Easter to you and yours.
Thank you David for such a rich reflection.
Scot, can you recommend some basic reading in Eastern Orthodox theology?
I've read some articles about their views on original sin a long time ago, and found them fascinating and encouraging, but I don't know how to find a good "begin to understand" book.
Thank you!!!
Here is my favorite, by Timothy Ware: https://amzn.to/43Vc7UR
I have enjoyed Alexander Schmemann’s books: For the Life of the World and The Eucharist. Also Simon Chan, who is a Pentecostal theologian but brings in a lot of Eastern Orthodox thought into his work: Spiritual Theology or Liturgical Theology are good ones.
Thank you . I always wondered the day between Good Friday and resurrection.
I love learning about the different ways the church has understood various doctrines over time… it brings home to me the richness of God through Christ, and that we do not have to have it all perfectly understood in order to follow. It is ours to abide in Him and follow Him, and our understanding will increase when we do so… praise to God, who brings salvation through Jesus the Lord!
A couple years back I included Mt 27:52-53 in a sermon and many of my congregants had never heard that passage preached even though they grew up in the church. I wonder why we hesitate to include it.
It is an intriguing study. Thank you for sharing this summary.