verses 7 - 10
7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
8 Wherefore he saith , When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended , what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
This is acknowledgment of the fulfillment of prophesy and scriptures that HE would raise again on the third day and ascend into Heaven and become the firstborn among many brethren. Those many brethren are everyone who has placed their faith and trust in HIM for their SALVATION. Before being seen on the third day, he descended into the depths of the earth and took the keys from death and hell away from Satan because death no longer has any hold or fear for the believers who would turn to JESUS by FAITH for all eternity.
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?" The grave holds only the body because the SPIRIT has ascended to heaven immediately and is with the LORD and all the loved ones who have gone before!
Praise GOD for HIS WONDERFUL WORD and HIS BLESSED SON!
| 