What does it mean to be spiritually dead?

Being spiritually dead is a state of separation from God. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden, humanity’s relationship with God was broken (Genesis 3). Since that time, every person has been born spiritually dead, alienated from the life of God (Ephesians 2:1-3). This spiritual death is the root cause of all other problems we face in life.

Spiritual death means that our spirits are dead to the things of God. We are insensitive to His voice, His truth, and His presence. The prophet Isaiah described the spiritual blindness and deafness that accompany spiritual death (Isaiah 6:9-10). Paul also described the futile thinking and darkened understanding of those who are spiritually dead (Ephesians 4:17-19).

The Bible uses several images to describe what spiritual death looks like:

• Darkness – living in darkness rather than light (John 8:12, Ephesians 5:8)
• Slavery – to sin rather than to righteousness (Romans 6:16-18)
• Sickness – being sick rather than well (Luke 5:31)
• Sleep – being asleep rather than awake in regards to spiritual things (1 Thessalonians 5:6-7)
• Impotence – being impotent and unfruitful (2 Peter 1:8)

Spiritual death means we are dominated and driven by the flesh rather than the Spirit. Our thinking, choices, behavior, and lifestyle reflect the emptiness within (Ephesians 2:3). There is no fear of God or genuine love for Him in the heart (Romans 3:18).

Spiritually dead people may be extremely religious–but they lack true spiritual life. The Pharisees that Jesus rebuked were meticulous about religious rituals but lacked spiritual understanding and vitality (Matthew 23:27-28). Going to church, knowing doctrine, and doing religious deeds do not necessarily indicate spiritual life.

People who are spiritually dead are alienated from God’s life and blessing. They live for themselves and seek to gratify the desires of the flesh. They do not know God in a personal, intimate way, although they may know about Him. They lack awareness of their true condition and need for salvation. They pursue futile worldly goals rather than seeking God’s kingdom.

Signs of spiritual death

Here are some signs that indicate spiritual death:

• No conviction of sin – no sense of guilt over sin or remorse over rebelling against God
• No repentance – no desire to turn from sin and pursue holiness
• No spiritual appetite – no hunger for God or His Word
• No active faith – no trust in Christ and His finished work on the cross
• No private prayer – no meaningful, personal communion with God
• No love for God – no passion for His glory or delight in His presence
• No service to God – no consuming drive to build His kingdom and advance His purposes
• No power over sin – no victory in the battle against temptation and sin
• No spiritual discernment – inability to spiritually appraise situations, teachings, or people
• No spiritual fruits – no evidence of love, joy, peace, or other spiritual qualities

In summary, the spiritually dead may be religious but lost. They lack spiritual understanding, desire, and vitality. Although physically alive, they are disconnected from God who is the source of all life.

Causes of spiritual death

Why are all people born spiritually dead? The Bible identifies several causes:

1. Inherited sinful nature – We inherit a nature inclined toward sin from Adam (Romans 5:12, 19).
2. Personal sin – Our own sins alienate us from God’s life (Isaiah 59:2).
3. Satanic blindness – Satan promotes spiritual blindness (2 Corinthians 4:4).
4. Worldly allurements – The world system promotes spiritual apathy (1 John 2:15-17).
5. Hardened heart – Repeated sin leads to a hardened heart (Hebrews 3:13).

In short, the sinful nature we inherit, our personal sins, demonic influences, worldly attractions, and a hardened heart all contribute to spiritual death. These traps ensnare us so that we live cut off from the Spirit of God.

Consequences of spiritual death

What happens when someone is spiritually dead? Consider the following consequences:

• Eternal separation from God – Without salvation, spiritual death leads to eternal death (Revelation 21:8).
• Futility of life – Life loses its meaning apart from God (Ecclesiastes 1:2).
• Harmful excesses – People pursue sinful pleasures that ruin lives (Proverbs 21:17).
• Vulnerability to demonic influence – Satan blinds and manipulates the lost (2 Timothy 2:26).
• False assurance – People are falsely assured of their salvation (Matthew 7:21-23).
• Religious deception – False religion propagates and spiritual death continues (2 Timothy 3:5).
• Worthless religion – Dead rituals substitute for true relationship with God (Isaiah 1:11-17).

Ultimately, those who remain spiritually dead will experience eternal separation from God. During this lifetime, they are trapped in futility, ruinous behavior, deception, and false religion. Their problem is not simply ignorance – it is spiritual death rooting in sin.

Hope for the spiritually dead

Is there any hope for those who are spiritually dead? Absolutely! The Bible clearly presents the remedy:

• Conviction – God convicts us of sin and awakens us to our need (John 16:8).
• Hearing the gospel – Faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17).
• Repentance – We must repent and turn to God (Acts 3:19).
• New birth – God imparts spiritual life to dead sinners who believe (John 3:3-8).
• Indwelling Spirit – The Spirit lives within every believer, providing spiritual vitality (Romans 8:9-11).

The moment someone repents of sin and trusts in Christ, God imparts His very life into that person. Although previously dead in sin, they are made alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). Everyone can experience this spiritual rebirth by grace through faith.

Through spiritual rebirth, God transforms people at the very core of their being. Those who were once spiritually dead become spiritually alive. The Holy Spirit regenerates and indwells them. God forgives their sins and reconciles them to Himself. This is true salvation – being rescued from spiritual death and made alive to God (John 5:24).

Living in spiritual life

How should someone live who has been rescued from spiritual death? Consider the following ways to experience spiritual vitality:

• Study the Bible – Nourish your spirit on God’s Word (1 Peter 2:2).
• Pray continually – Cultivate ongoing communion with God (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
• Obey Christ’s commands – Follow Jesus and deny yourself (Luke 9:23).
• Fellowship with other believers – Stimulate one another spiritually (Hebrews 10:24-25).
• Pursue holiness – Cooperate with the Spirit’s work of sanctification (2 Corinthians 7:1).
• Walk by the Spirit – Allow the Spirit to guide and empower you (Galatians 5:16).
• Use spiritual gifts – Serve God’s people with your gifts (1 Peter 4:10).
• Share your faith – Tell others about Christ (Matthew 28:19-20).
• Look for Christ’s return – Live with hope and anticipation of eternity (Titus 2:13).

The Christian life is a spiritual life. By walking closely with Christ and being filled with the Holy Spirit, we can experience the abundant life that He promised (John 10:10). Our spiritual vitality comes from a dynamic, personal relationship with our living Lord.

Conclusion

Spiritual death is a tragic condition, but the saving grace of Jesus Christ makes spiritual life available to all. If you have not yet experienced spiritual rebirth, turn from your sins and receive Christ as your Savior and Lord. If you have been made spiritually alive in Christ, walk by the Spirit daily and nurture your relationship with God through prayer, obedience, and fellowship with other believers. Ask God to fill you afresh with His Spirit so that you reflect His love and fulfill His purposes.