Is this teaching biblical?
Kenneth Hagin's JDS doctrine claims the atonement was not completed on the cross but in hell, where Jesus allegedly 'died spiritually' and was tortured by Satan. This directly contradicts Jesus's own declaration 'It is finished,' His promise to the thief of Paradise that same day, and His final words committing His spirit to the Father — not to Satan. The JDS doctrine is a blasphemous denial of the finished work of Christ.
What did Kenneth Hagin say?
"He [Jesus] tasted spiritual death for every man. And His spirit and inner man went to Hell in my place."
Speaker: Kenneth Hagin
Source: The Name of Jesus, Rhema Bible Church, 1981, p. 31
What does Scripture actually teach?
John 19:30
"So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished!' And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit."
— NKJV
Jesus declared 'It is finished' (tetelestai) — a perfect tense verb meaning 'completed once for all.' The atonement was FINISHED on the cross. There was nothing left to accomplish in hell. Hagin's teaching that Jesus had to 'taste spiritual death' in hell adds to the finished work of Christ and contradicts His own words.
Luke 23:43
"And Jesus said to him, 'Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.'"
— NKJV
Jesus promised the repentant thief: 'Today you will be with Me in Paradise.' Not hell, not Satan's torture chamber — Paradise. If Jesus went to hell to be tortured, He lied to the thief on the cross. Hagin's doctrine makes Christ a liar.
Luke 23:46
"And when Jesus had cried out with a loud voice, He said, 'Father, "into Your hands I commit My spirit."' Having said this, He breathed His last."
— NKJV
Jesus committed His spirit into the Father's hands — not Satan's. His final act was one of trust and victory, not defeat. The JDS doctrine claims Satan took Jesus's spirit to hell, but Jesus Himself said He placed His spirit in the Father's care. This demolishes the entire JDS framework.