John 19:18 Commentary and Bible Study

This reminds us that he took our deepest corruption. He was crucified between two criminals, violent highwaymen, no doubt. That is what the word translated thieves suggests – violent highwaymen, representing deep corruption. One was to be converted, even on the cross, but Christ was identified with sinners, with deep corruption even outwardly as he was crucified.Of course, he took our corruption, not only our deeds, our words, but our inward sins, our sinful thoughts, our pride and selfishness. He had to atone for our heart sins, our state of sin, as well as our deeds. The old creed says, he descended into hell, and in a manner of speaking he did. Not literally, but on Calvary’s cross he descended into hell because he suffered our hell compressed, condensed into the space of six hours, he suffered all that we should have suffered if we believe in him and we trust in him.