A renewed mind operates according to GOD’S Almighty Power!
Paul describes what happened after The Cross and before Christ ascended.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in Ephesians chapter 4:
7 But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift.
8 Therefore He says: “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive (His many captured ones), And gave gifts to men.”
9 (Now this, “He ascended”-what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He Who descended is also the One Who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.)
Jesus did not suffer in hell on our behalf. His suffering occurred and was fulfilled at the whipping post and The Cross. His Blood was and is sufficient.
Who were His captured ones? They are those who died and went to Abraham’s bosom waiting to be set free.
Jesus shared about the captives when He spoke in Luke chapter 16:
22 “One day poor Lazarus died, and the angels of God came and escorted his spirit into paradise.
23 “The day came that the rich man also died. In hell he looked up from his torment and saw Abraham in the distance, and Lazarus was standing beside him in the glory.
24 The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham! Father Abraham! Have mercy on me. Send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and come to cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames of fire!’
25 “But Abraham responded, ‘My friend, don’t you remember? While you were alive, you had all you desired. You surrounded yourself in luxury, while Lazarus had nothing. Now Lazarus dwells in the comforts of paradise and you are in agony.
26 Besides, between us is a huge chasm that cannot be bridged, nor can anyone cross from one realm to the other, even if he wanted.’
27 “The rich man continued, ‘Then let me ask you, Father Abraham, please send Lazarus to my relatives.
28 Tell him to witness to my five brothers and warn them not to end up where I am in this place of torment.’
29 “Abraham replied, ‘They’ve already had plenty of warning. They have the teachings of Moses and the revelation of the prophets; let them hear them.’
30 “ ‘What if they’re not listening?’ the rich man added. ‘If someone from the dead were to go and warn them, they would surely repent.’
31 “Abraham said to him, ‘If they wouldn’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither would they be convinced if someone were raised from the dead!’ ”
Jesus descended to Paradise but did not go to the other realm. This should be a warning to those who think life after death is guaranteed to be positive. All those who were in Paradise had to wait on Jesus fulfilling the Law since the Law of Moses was insufficient to completely wipe out their sins. Those who rejected the teachings of Moses and the revelation of the prophets did not repent so they chose the place of torment indefinitely.
Before Jesus ascended, He appeared to Mary Magdalene.
The Beloved Disciple recorded by The Holy Spirit in John chapter 20:
11 Mary arrived back at the tomb, broken and sobbing. She stooped to peer inside, and through her tears
12 she saw two angels in dazzling white robes, sitting where Jesus’ body had been laid—one at the head and one at the feet! (symbolizing The Ark of The Covenant)
13 “Dear woman, why are you crying?” they asked. Mary answered, “They have taken away My Lord, and I don’t know where they’ve laid Him.”
14 Then she turned around to leave, and there was Jesus standing in front of her, but she didn’t realize that it was Him!
15 He said to her, “Dear woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?” Mary answered, thinking he was only the gardener, “Sir, if you have taken His Body somewhere else, tell me, and I will go and . . .”
16 “Mary,” Jesus interrupted her. Turning to face Him, she said, “Rabboni!” (Aramaic for “My teacher!”)
17 Jesus cautioned her, “Mary, don’t cling to Me, for I haven’t yet ascended to God, my Father. And He’s not only My Father and God, but now He’s Your Father and your God! Now go to My brothers and tell them what I’ve told you, that I am ascending to My Father—and Your Father, to My God—and Your God!”
18 Then Mary Magdalene left to inform the disciples of her encounter with Jesus. “I have seen the Lord!” she told them. And she gave them His message.
Jesus chose to reveal Himself first to Mary Magdalene, the one had seven demons cast out of her (representing grace). The first Mary that Jesus revealed Himself in His virgin birth was the Virgin Mary (representing purity).
On His way to THE FATHER, Jesus was moved with compassion for Mary who was broken and sobbing. Jesus stopped the whole procession to minister to her.
Why is this detail vital to our renewed mind? We are to understand the brevity of those who are in need of our ministry. Their future hangs in the balance and we must not let an opportunity to slip by to minister to those in need whether it be for salvation, healing, or both.