IPHC has historically accepted the doctrinal statement of the Apostles' Creed. This places IPHC within orthodox Christianity. The Apostles' Creed probably dates from 100 AD and likely originated in Rome. Like most of the creeds of the Christian church, it evolved as a way of distinguishing Biblical/Theological truth from heresy.

The Creed affirms that while He was dead, Jesus "descended to hell." Prior to Jesus' resurrection, Hell was composed of two chambers. The upper chamber was called Paradise, or Abraham's bosom (Luke 16:23; Luke 23:43) and the lower chamber was called Hades (Luke 16:23). The upper chamber was a place of comfort and peace and the lower chamber was a place of torment (see Luke 16:19-31). There was a gulf between the two chambers but those in the lower chamber could see the blessings of those in the upper chamber. Before the resurrection of Jesus, The righteous who died went to the upper chamber and the unrighteous to the lower chamber.

When Jesus died, the penitent thief went with Jesus to Paradise (Luke 23:43). At His resurrection, Jesus led the righteous from Paradise to be with Him in heaven. The unrighteous remain in Hades and their judgment in Hell remains for eternity.

The IPHC believes that Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah (Christ) of Israel, is the eternal Son of God. We believe that He is God incarnate and is the Word made flesh (John 1:1-4, 14, 18; 5:16-17; 8:19; 10:30-39; 12:44, 45; 14:6-11; Philippians 2:5-8; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:2, 3).

Last update on 7/30/07
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