What did Jesus do between his death and his ascension?
Between His death and ascension, Jesus descended first into the lower parts of the earth, into paradise, where believing Old Testament saints were held in Sheol awaiting His atoning blood. He took those captives with Him, then ascended far above all heavens to glory, confirming paradise is now above.
Les teaches that the believing Old Testament saints were held in Hades, hell, or Sheol on the paradise side, waiting for the atoning blood that had now been shed. When Christ left paradise, Ephesians 4 is brought in: the one who ascended also descended first into the lower parts of the earth. Paul puts the capstone on it—before ascending to glory, He descended into paradise and took those who were captive. So the same one who descended also ascended far above all heavens to fulfill all things. II Corinthians 5 confirms paradise is no longer down but now in glory, and that has been the lot of the present-day believer since Christ ascended.
Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
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