Topical Encyclopedia In the Christian theological framework, the concept of "The Dead" in relation to man's state by nature is deeply rooted in the understanding of spiritual death as a consequence of sin. This state is characterized by a separation from God, a condition that all humanity inherits due to the original sin of Adam and Eve.Spiritual Death and Original Sin The doctrine of original sin, as articulated in the Scriptures, posits that all humans are born into a state of spiritual death. This is not merely a physical death but a profound spiritual separation from God. In Genesis 2:17, God warns Adam, "but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it, you will certainly die." This death was not immediate in a physical sense but was immediate in a spiritual sense, marking the beginning of humanity's estrangement from God. The Apostle Paul elaborates on this condition in Romans 5:12 : "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." Here, Paul underscores the universality of sin and death, indicating that all of humanity shares in this fallen state. The Nature of Spiritual Death Spiritual death is characterized by an inherent inability to comprehend or respond to the things of God. In Ephesians 2:1-3 , Paul describes this state: "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. All of us also lived among them at one time, fulfilling the cravings of our flesh and indulging its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature children of wrath." This passage highlights the natural state of humanity as one of disobedience and subjection to worldly and fleshly desires, under the influence of Satan. It is a state devoid of spiritual life and connection with God, rendering individuals incapable of seeking God on their own. The Inability to Please God In this state of spiritual death, humanity is unable to please God or earn His favor through their own efforts. Romans 8:7-8 states, "The mind of the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. Those controlled by the flesh cannot please God." This underscores the futility of human efforts to achieve righteousness apart from divine intervention. The Need for Regeneration The state of spiritual death necessitates a divine act of regeneration, often referred to as being "born again." Jesus emphasizes this need in John 3:3 , saying, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." This new birth is a work of the Holy Spirit, bringing individuals from death to life, enabling them to respond to God in faith and obedience. Conclusion The biblical portrayal of man's natural state as spiritually dead underscores the necessity of God's grace and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It is only through Christ's redemptive work and the regenerative work of the Spirit that individuals can be brought from death to life, reconciled to God, and restored to a right relationship with Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 5:4For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed on, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 2:1,5 Library Of the Way of Man's Delivery. Argument for the Resurrection from the Purpose Contemplated in ... Sleep a Natural Function as Shown by Other Considerations, and by ... Thirsting for God Awake, Thou that Sleepest Of the Nature of Regeneration, and Particularly of the Change it ... Can Our Dead Speak to Us? "Now the End of the Commandment," &C. The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile ... The Holy Spirit in the Glorified Christ. Resources What is the Egyptian Book of the Dead? | GotQuestions.orgIs raising the dead still possible today? | GotQuestions.org Is God dead? | GotQuestions.org Dead: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dead (People): Burnings of Incense Made For Dead (People): Jairus' Daughter Dead (People): Prepared for Burial by Washing Dead (People): Raised to Life, (See Dead (People): The Shunammite Woman's Son Dead (People): The Son of the Widow of Zarephath Dead (People): The Widow's Son Dead (People): The Young Man Laid in Elisha's Grave Dead (People): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Dead (People): Wrapping in Linen The Dead in a House Rendered It Unclean The Dead were Washed and Laid Out The Dead were Wrapped in Lined With Spices The Dead: A Priest not to Mourn For, Except when Near of Kin The Dead: A State of Deep Affliction The Dead: All offerings To, Forbidden The Dead: Characterised by Absence of all Human Passions The Dead: Characterised by Being Incapable of Motion The Dead: Characterised by Being Without the Spirit The Dead: Characterised by Ignorance of all Human Affairs The Dead: Characterised by Inability to Glorify God The Dead: Even Bones of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Eyes of, Closed by Nearest of Kin The Dead: Freedom from the Law The Dead: Freedom from the Power of Sin The Dead: Heathenish Expressions of Grief For, Forbidden The Dead: High Priest in No Case to Mourn For The Dead: Idolaters: Consecrated Part of Their Crops To The Dead: Idolaters: Invoked and Consulted The Dead: Idolaters: Offered Sacrifices For The Dead: Idolaters: Tore Themselves For The Dead: Instances of, Restored by Christ The Dead: Instances of, Restored to Life Before Christ The Dead: Man's State by Nature The Dead: Mourning For, often by Hired Mourners The Dead: Mourning For, often with Plaintive Music The Dead: Mourning For, often: Lasted Many Days The Dead: Mourning For, often: Loud and Clamorous The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Change of Apparel The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Covering the Head The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Taring the Hair The Dead: Mourning For, often: Testified by Tearing the Garments The Dead: Mourning For, often: Very Great The Dead: Nazarites not to Touch or Mourn For The Dead: Regard often Shown to the Memory of The Dead: Return not to This Life The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Carcases The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Corpses The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Deceased The Dead: Terms Used to Express: Those Who are Not The Dead: The Jews Looked for a Resurrection From The Dead: They Who Have Departed This Life The Dead: Those Defiled By, Removed from the Camp The Dead: Touching of, Caused Uncleanness The Dead: Uncleanness Contracted From, Removed by the Water Separation Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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