Greetings to Awakening Church, I hope this post helps you add another title to the never-ending list of worthwhile reads for the Glory of Christ! I was introduced to this title after finishing two other books by Renihan, and after being impressed I couldn't wait to see what he had to say about the descent of Christ.

Author: Samuel Renihan is a pastor, theologian, and author known for his quality work in the Reformed Baptist tradition. His other amazing works focus on covenant theology, the doctrine of God, and the historical roots of the Particular Baptist tradition of faith.

Content: This book places at our fingertips a theological primer and a detailed look into church history surrounding the topic of Christ’s descent into hell. Renihan writes in two parts, each serving a unique purpose and when put together sheds amazing light on this often misunderstood or overlooked aspect of Christology.

• What happened to Christ between the cross and the resurrection?
• Was anything accomplished while Christ was in the grave?
• Does the Bible have anything specific to say or is everything open to interpretation?

The first part functions as a primer and lays out a straightforward and biblically grounded case for understanding the descent of Christ. He ties the question of Christ’s descent to the victory of Jesus through the death, burial, and resurrection. He argues strongly using texts like Ephesians 4:9 and 1 Peter 3:19 that the question of where Christ went for three days has a real answer. This doctrine is tied inextricably to the victory of Christ and not associated with any of the false beliefs that Christ went to hell to suffer further or to be a sacrificial burnt offering.

The second part shifts as Renihan dives into historical theology. He unearths source after source from Reformation-era theologians who held strongly to an accurate view of the descent of Christ. He displays how this question was historically debated providing the reader with a rich historical perspective. Writing like this helps us tie our thoughts today with the giants of the faith who have gone before us and who considered this a topic worth meditation and debate. 

Recommendation: Renihan succeeds in a big way in both sections not only in content but in application. Renihan writes with an inviting tone allowing newcomers to this topic easy entry, but deeply enough that his exegetical arguments would satisfy a theologian or a pastor. Renihan opens before our eyes another reason to worship and glorify the God who truly conquered death and the grave.

Always remember:

“Visit many good books, but live in the Bible.”
- Charles Spurgeon

In Christ,
Ryan Milne