The Harrowing of Hell

Few passages in Scripture have generated more controversy than 1 Peter 3:18–22. But underneath debate lies a single, staggering claim: the resurrection of Jesus is Christ’s victory announcement. Whatever in your life and this world feels permanent and immovable — systems, empires, powers, addictions, fears — Christ has put them all on notice.Journaling Prompts:What dominions seek to make a claim on your life right now — not just what you are afraid of, but what do you find yourself subjected to?However we understand Peter’s words, the image he points to claims Christ’s work means there is no where anyone can go that is beyond God’s redemptive reach. Where is this hardest for you to believe — in the world, in your own life, in someone else’s?Peter is not offering a coping strategy or escape — he makes a cosmic claim to encourage continued faithful resistance. What would change if you took seriously that the domains that threaten you and the world at large have already been defeated.Practice — Liturgy as Lab:The practice of Baptism becomes a prominent anchor Peter invited the church back to over and over again. It is the whole of our life in Christ, enacted in a single moment. What we are, and what we are catching up to.If you’ve been baptized: What would it look like to wake up each day and live into your baptismal identity as faithful resistance? Each day a death and a resurrection. Where do you find Hell and its domain acting as if it hasn’t lost attempting to claim your allegiance?If you’ve yet to be baptized: What story have you been told about what baptism is? What story is Peter telling? Sit with the difference. For Peter baptism isn’t a religious decision — it is conscription into Christ’s life and His New Creation. What would it mean to consider it on these terms?For everyone: Sit with one person this week and tell them what your baptism (real, anticipated, or questioned) means to you right now. Listen to theirs.To explore baptism with a pastor head to redemptionhou.com/baptism