One or two more things to consider in this
ongoing thread about "spiritual death" - Since
some believe this term to be unscriptural and/or metaphoric in nature -
should we first run it by some theologians to make sure we have it
right? The answer is NO! It is totally
unprofitable to take the word "dead" out of it's scriptural setting to
look for a man inspired doctrinal interpretation because scripture has
organic unity, it is one growth with
spirit and life which testifies to the one Spirit breathing through all
the different authors.
1. Does dead (in
trespass and sin) mean corpse or cadaver like death so that it is
impossible for ppl in this condition to understand or to hear God?
No. At the time of the fall Adam heard when
God spoke to him and he understood why God made a covering
of animal skin and told him to offer a lamb from the flock. (Genesis)
God told unbelieving Israel "Come now and let
us reason together (Isa 1:18); He would not waste time
reasoning with a spiritually dead cadaver who could not respond to
truth.
Jesus put responsibility on
the unregenerate to enter at the strait gate (Matt 7:14) -
why arn't more saved? Why arn't all saved? The bible says because so
few are willing to come as repentant sinners and enter at
the narrow gate of faith in Christ alone.
Are they unable to hear and understand?
No. Jesus said "The time is coming "and NOW IS"
when the dead shall hear" (John 5:25) and when he said this the
resurrection was future (John 5:28,29). Jesus describes passing from
death to life (see John 5:24)
In Acts Paul reasoned in the synagogue and
persuaded both (unbelieving) Jews & Greeks to believe
(Acts 18:4).
Paul wrote to the church at Corinth
"knowing the terror of the Lord we persuade
(unbelieving) men (2 Cor 5:11)
It is also good to note that
the bible uses the word dead to describe saved people also:
Romans 6:2,7,11 Being dead to sin (does
not mean that it is now impossible for a believer to sin)
Romans 6:8 - Dead with Christ
Colossians 2:20 Dead to the basic
principles of the world
Galatians 2:19 I through the law died to
the law; (dead to the law)
Colossians 3:3 For you died and your life
is hidden with Christ in God (believers are dead)
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Excellent points, Judy. This is a keeper.
