The concept of spiritual death is a significant theme in biblical theology, particularly in relation to the nature of sin, salvation, and the transformative power of the gospel. To understand why spiritual death is not about a moral inability but rather a state of separation from the life offered by the gospel, we can explore several key biblical principles.
1. Definition of Spiritual Death
Spiritual death is primarily understood as separation from God due to sin. This is evident in passages like Ephesians 2:1-3, which states, “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked.” Here, “dead” indicates a state of being separated from the life and relationship that God offers. This separation is not about moral incapacity but signifies a profound disconnection from the source of life, which is God Himself.
2. The Nature of Sin and Separation
In Isaiah 59:2, it is stated, “But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God.” This verse emphasizes that sin creates a barrier between humanity and God, resulting in spiritual death. Rather than indicating an inability to respond positively, this separation suggests that individuals are estranged from the divine life, which they were created to enjoy. It highlights the relational aspect of spiritual death—humanity’s alienation from God rather than a complete moral inability to choose good.
3. God’s Initiative in Redemption
The biblical narrative consistently shows that God takes the initiative to restore the relationship that sin has broken. In John 3:16, we see that “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Here, the offer of life is extended to all, indicating that while spiritual death creates a barrier, it does not eliminate the possibility of response to God’s appeal. God’s gracious work through the gospel enables individuals to respond to the truth they otherwise would have never known (Rom. 10:13).
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in awakening individuals to their need for God. In John 16:8, Jesus mentions that the Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness. This conviction suggests that while people are spiritually dead, they are still capable of responding to the Spirit’s work. The Spirit’s role is to illuminate the truth of the gospel and draw individuals toward the life offered through Christ. This indicates that spiritual death does not equate to an inability to respond but rather a need for divine intervention. The incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, inspiration of scripture and commissioning of the Bride of Christ are some of the ways God has chosen to intervene; to which all mankind is able to respond and thus is held justly responsible.
5. Human Responsibility and Response
The Bible consistently calls individuals to respond to God’s invitation to life. In Deuteronomy 30:19, God sets before His people life and death, urging them to choose life. This call implies that despite their spiritual condition, people have the capacity to respond to God’s offer. Romans 10:13 reinforces this idea, stating, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” The emphasis here is on the opportunity for response rather than an innate deterministic inability.
Conclusion
In summary, spiritual death in the biblical context refers to a state of separation from the life that God offers through the gospel. It underscores the relational rupture caused by sin, rather than an inability to respond to God. The biblical narrative highlights God’s initiative in redemption, the convicting work of the Holy Spirit, and the inherent responsibility of individuals to respond to the divine call. Thus, spiritual death is best understood as a separation due to our own rebellion that necessitates God’s grace and intervention, allowing for the possibility of a positive response to the gospel and the restoration of life in Christ.
Ronnie W Rogers in his book, “Reflections of a Disenchanted Calvinist (pp 94-59) wrote: “The means of this grace enablement (God’s drawing/illuminating us for salvation) include but are mot limited to: “god’s salvific love for all (John 3:16), God’s manifestation of His power so that all may know He is the Sovereign (Isaiah 45:21-22), and Creator (Romans 1:18-20), which assures that everyone has opportunity to know about Him. Christ paying for all sins (John 1:29), conviction of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11), working of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 6:1-6), enlightening of the Son (John 1:9), God’s teaching (John 6:45), God opening hearts (Acts 16:14), and the power of the gospel (Romans 1:16), without such redemptive grace, no one seeks or comes to God (Romans 3:11).”
Hello Tim and welcome
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Ronnies book is excellent!
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blessings!
br.d
Yes, Tim, but just to confirm, you believe that everyone gets such sufficient enlightenment from God this is enabling them to freely seek or reject seeking God and His mercy. Right?
Amen
Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Hello J and welcome
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blessings!
br.d
Thank you Eric!! :-]
The problem that I have, is that, just like in Calvinism, it assumes that we are born dead, aka Original Sin. It does not consider that we each DIE a spiritual death, but that we are born spiritually dead.
Therefore, I have a problem with adjectives, such as “saving” faith, or, as someone already stated in a comment, “grace enablement”.
To me, this is Calvinism light…just rearranging words, and still making it Calvinism.
Ed Chapman
Thanks Eric! Can’t count how many times I’ve heard a Calvinist or semi-Calvi (who is just repeating what they’ve heard someone else say) quote Ephesians 2:1 and proceed to equate spiritual death with spiritual inability to respond to God’s initiative. the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and the Gospel message.
Great short and concise summary!
Five Guys, I mean, Questions!
1. When does spiritual death happen? Genesis 2:17/Romans 7:7-9
2. What is required for spiritual death? Genesis 2:17, Romans 7:7-9, 1 John 3:4/Romans 3:20
3. Can one avoid spiritual death? Deuteronomy 1:39
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4. Did we inherit SPIRITUAL DEATH from Adam? Deuteronomy 1:39, Romans 5:13, Romans 4:15
5. Did we inherit NATURAL DEATH from Adam? NOW Romans 5:12, 14-whatever!
Genesis 2:17 is not discussing natural death. So, no we did not inherit spiritual death from Adam, because EVEN THOUGH FOR ALL HAVE SINNED, we can avoid spiritual death, BY NOT KNOWING about it, hence the name of the tree. Children, in Judaism, doesn’t get that KNOWLEDGE until a certain age…which differs between boys and girls. Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
So, define Original Sin…Catholics say that Adam had a glorified body and that he lost it. No. That’s wrong. 1 Cor 15:42-46 tells us that Adam was made of the earth, and is earthly, and if it’s earthly, it dies. So, we inherit natural death, because Adam failed to OBTAIN eternal life. He was formed to die anyway. Catholics reject that idea.
Catholics say that if you don’t believe in Original Sin, that you are anathema! I don’t believe in Catholic dogma. Do you? Their opinions matter not, to me.
So why do Provisionists believe in ORIGINAL SIN? Furthermore, this GRACE thing that they teach, as so do the Calvinists and Arminians, that it comes PRIOR to salvation, is IRRELEVANT if Original Sin is false. Prevenient/Irresistible Grace is NOT NEEDED in such a situation. Besides, grace is a gift AS A RESULT of your faith, not a gift as a means to receive an imputed faith.
Without Original Sin doctrine, no one would even have this discussion!
Ed Chapman
I wrote this song about the danger of Calvinism. I thought you might like it.
Go to Youtube – and search for TULIP (Author: Babylon’s fall)
br.d
Hello Greg and welcome
I’ll go check it out
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BTW: You probably didn’t know this but SOT101 does not allow posts containing links to other web-sites unless provided by a SOT101 content provider.
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I removed the link from your post and put in information which people can use to find the song.
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Blessings
br.d