Raising Adam: Why Jesus Descended into Hell - Softcover

Dawson, Gerrit

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0988491656 ISBN 13: 9780988491656

Publisher: Oil Lamp Books, 2018

Synopsis

What does it mean to affirm that Jesus "descended into hell?" What actually happened to Jesus between Good Friday and Easter? Was this "descent" part of his suffering or part of his triumph? And why does it matter today?With a theologian's research, a pastor's heart and a poet's sensibility, Gerrit Dawson explores the answers given through the centuries to these questions. By using a narrative approach, Dawson achieves a unique synthesis of previously competing views. He shows that the ancient idea of the harrowing of hell, the Reformed view of "hell on the cross" and the 20th century recognition of the darkness of Holy Saturday can all work together. Far from being a discardable doctrine, the descent offers a unique window on the person and work of Christ, one we urgently need to open for the worship and mission of the Church today.

About this title

Review

"Gerrit Dawson has written clearly, and with great beauty on this crucial matter. He seeks to be faithful to Holy Scripture on an issue where we do not have much information, and is responsible to the larger Christian tradition. It holds one's attention from beginning to end; is not only informative and academically sound, but moves the soul. His research has been profound and deep, and deserves to be widely read."
-- DR. DOUGLAS KELLY, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte

"Dawson presents a Savior who went "to the farthest extreme of human existence" to save everything. By examining the neglected episode of Holy Saturday, Dawson has shown that nothing short of Jesus' full descent into hell and victory over it is necessary for redeeming all things. This is a book well worth reading because in it one will find a Savior well worth trusting."
-- DR. ALEC FLYNT, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Mobile, AL

"Raising Adam makes a significant contribution to the church's reflection on the mystery of Jesus' death, burial, and descent into hell. Dawson skillfully makes use of a variety of scholarly treatments of the descent. He ably and clearly presents the findings of academic scholarship for a thoughtful, but non-academic, audience. This work will surely edify the life and ministry of the Church."
-- DR. DAVID LAUBER, Wheaton College

"Raising Adam explores the purpose of Jesus' absence from all sight and sound between Good Friday and Easter. Guided by the interplay of material from across the Biblical corpus and insight from across the Church's theological traditions, Gerrit Dawson sounds the depths of the Lord Jesus' descent into the extremity of the human condition. This readable exploration, well suited for the thoughtful Christian and pastor, filled my mind with such a portrait of Jesus' humiliation and exaltation that my own soul arose in worship. Raising Adam exquisitely demonstrates how good theology leads to nothing less than a devotional encounter with God."
-- Rev. Dr. Daniel Bush, Lead Pastor, NorthPointe Church; Author of Undefended: Discovering God When Your Guard Is Down

"From the silence of Holy Saturday, the Ascended One speaks through Gerrit Dawson about the gospel necessity of His descent. Raising Adam is a winsome and meaningful exploration of a sacred place that most Christ-followers have not gone. Having confessed the creed for generations, "He descended to the dead" -few understand the relevance and importance of what that actually means. Thankfully Dawson takes us there! Until we understand how far Jesus went to save us, we cannot live into the fullness of gratitude that marks the mature life as one of his disciples. If you descend into the pages of this book, the second Adam will raise you in His life anew."
--Rev. Dr. D. Dean Weaver, Moderator of the 37th General Assembly, Evangelical Presbyterian Church; Lead Pastor, Memorial Park Church, Pittsburgh, PA

"Diving into the abyss of darkness of Holy Saturday, Dawson engages the difficulty of Jesus' descent into hell. He invites the reader into a much needed intellectual and spiritual journey into the depths of the inner life of Jesus as He endures the cross and death. This book is a feast spread for 21st century people grappling with the pain and suffering of this world and hungry for hope. It's a "resurrectional" read!"
--Dr. Susan C. Nash, Church Consultant

Edition details

• Publisher: Oil Lamp Books
• Publication date: 2018
• ISBN 10: 0988491656
• ISBN 13: 9780988491656
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 176