Sometimes when we are presented with the gospel message of Jesus Christ; some preachers/teachers say that Jesus suffered in hell for our sins? They say that Jesus was tormented in hell between the period of His death and His resurrection. Let us consider if this is the biblical interpretation.
Reading through the events recorded in scriptures about the death and resurrection of Jesus, it can be ascertained that Jesus atoned for our sins entirely on the cross and no further payment was required by suffering further in hell.
Firstly before Jesus dies, He speaks to the thief beside Him as it is recorded in the Gospel of Luke. The thief says to Jesus, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42). Jesus responds by saying in Luke 23:43 “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Jesus promises the thief that he would be reunited with Christ in paradise that very day.
Secondly, when Jesus died on the cross, he became the final and ultimate sacrifice for our sin. The death of Jesus on the cross meant that he made full payment for our sins. John 19:30 says “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
The Greek word (tetelestai) used here for “finished” actually means “paid in full”. This is what Jesus Christ came to do. He came to pay the price for our sins, and the debt had to be paid in full. The moment that Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross, full payment had been paid. Nothing further is required.
Thirdly, at the very moment that Christ died, the temple veil that covered the entrance to the holy of holies was torn in two from top to bottom. Matthew 27:50-51 “And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.”
This was extremely significant. The torn veil meant that the shedding of the blood of Jesus was a sufficient atonement for our sins. The tearing of the veil signified that the way into the Holy of Holies is open to all people. It is available to both Jew and Gentile, for all time, for those having faith in Jesus Christ. Amen! Nothing further is required, or ever will be necessary. What a blessed hope!
From these passages, we can understand that Jesus paid the price in full for our sins on the cross. He did not have to continue to pay for our sins by suffering further in hell—what a glorious God we worship. Please take time to think about this great sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It was an entirely sufficient payment for our sins. Commit your life completely into His hands, seeking to glorify Him and magnify Him in all of your ways, Amen!
God bless.
