Topical Bible: Spiritual Death: A Call to Arise From

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Definition and Nature

Spiritual death refers to the state of separation from God due to sin. Unlike physical death, which pertains to the cessation of biological life, spiritual death is characterized by a disconnection from the divine source of life and righteousness. This condition is a result of the fall of humanity, as described in Genesis, where Adam and Eve's disobedience led to a rupture in their relationship with God (Genesis 3:6-7).

Biblical Foundation

The concept of spiritual death is rooted in the narrative of the fall. Romans 5:12 states, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned." This passage highlights the universal impact of sin, leading to spiritual death for all humanity.

Ephesians 2:1-2 further elaborates, "As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you used to walk when you conformed to the ways of this world and of the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit who is now at work in the sons of disobedience." Here, spiritual death is depicted as a state of living in sin and under the influence of worldly and demonic forces.

The Call to Arise

Despite the grim reality of spiritual death, the Bible offers a message of hope and redemption. The call to arise from spiritual death is a central theme in the New Testament, where the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide the means for spiritual rebirth and reconciliation with God.

In John 5:24 , Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life." This promise underscores the transformative power of faith in Christ, enabling believers to transition from spiritual death to eternal life.

The Role of Repentance and Faith

Repentance and faith are crucial in responding to the call to arise from spiritual death. Acts 3:19 exhorts, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." Repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and a turning towards God, acknowledging one's need for His grace and forgiveness.

Faith in Jesus Christ is the means by which individuals receive new life. Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Salvation is a divine gift, accessible through faith, which brings about spiritual regeneration and a restored relationship with God.

The New Life in Christ

Arising from spiritual death leads to a new life in Christ, characterized by a renewed mind and heart. 2 Corinthians 5:17 proclaims, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation involves a departure from the old ways of sin and an embrace of a life led by the Holy Spirit.

Believers are called to live in the light of their new identity, as Ephesians 5:8 instructs, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." This new life is marked by righteousness, holiness, and a growing conformity to the image of Christ.

The Eternal Perspective

The ultimate hope for those who arise from spiritual death is eternal life with God. Revelation 21:4 offers a glimpse of this future reality: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." The promise of eternal life assures believers of a future free from the consequences of sin and death, in the presence of God forever.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 5:14
Why he said, Awake you that sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Awake, Thou that Sleepest
... Now, "awake, thou that sleepest" in spiritual death, that thou ... dead." Leave thine
old companions in sin and death. ... thou art, who obeyest his call, thou canst ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 3 awake thou that.htm

Spiritual Resurrection
... the devilish, the bestial sins into which wicked men will run, when spiritual death
has had ... I think when he comes to call some of you from your death in sin ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/spiritual resurrection.htm

Christian Joy in Death.
Paul Gerhardt??s Spiritual Songs. <. ... 'Tis true, 'tis call'd death's agony, But
yet it is no dying; The death of death is Christ, for He Prevents ...
/.../gerhardt/paul gerhardts spiritual songs/christian joy in death.htm

The Call of Abraham
... as unknown as the valley of the shadow of death. ... conclude this sketch of the Patriarch's
call, by observing ... be said extremely interesting to the spiritual mind ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/the call of abraham.htm

Of Sin by Imputation and Propagation.
... Nay, but this evil principle would arise up to the throne ... of good confidence and
hope, as you call it! ... soul from the body, but first the spiritual death of the ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xxiv of sin by.htm

Regeneration.
... as constituting a new creature, as a new creation, not a physical, but a moral or
spiritual creation, as ... call on him, on pain of eternal death, to believe ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxvii regeneration.htm

The God of the Living.
... Can it be an easier thing to call into life than ... body will be to his consciousness
at death no more ... seen that all matter is radiant of spiritual meaning, who ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/unspoken sermons/the god of the living.htm

A Believer's Privilege at Death
... Care is a spiritual canker, which eats out the comfort of ... Call me not Naomi, call
me Mara: I went out full ... sighing: it is a valley of tears; but death is the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 a believers privilege at.htm

Death by Adam, Life by Christ
... risen with Him (Colossians 3:1) . Their spiritual life is ... Lazarus was not only happy
after death, but highly ... in the anguish of their souls, shall call (in vain ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xli death by adam.htm

Baptism --A Burial
... and joy and liberty; and to that call it yields ... dead, saying, "Awake, thou that sleepest,
and arise from the ... going back to the grave of spiritual death nor to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 27 1881/baptisma burial.htm