From death to life seems backward from our perspective. We are born, and in our logic, we then, one day die. Seems to be the normal process of life, and for the physical body, it is. However, for the spiritual, it is not. When we are born, we enter a world that is tainted by sin. When man sinned in the garden everything changed. No longer were we perfect and living to glorify God, but sin brought death. From that time forward we were on a path that leads to destruction.
In Colossians 2:13-15, we see the dead being “quickened” or made alive. Apart from Christ, people aren’t just spiritually misguided, ignorant, or weak, they’re dead! Persuading them to believe in Jesus is not enough. They don’t just need to be persuaded to believe in Jesus, according to John 16:8-11, they need the Holy Spirit to convict them. When the Holy Spirit does His work in their hearts he will reprove them of sin, righteousness, and the judgment to come if they don’t repent. No one can come to know Christ unless the Spirit draws him.
Colossians 2:13-15 “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
It is important for us to understand before a person can be saved they must realize they are lost. Before salvation, they are spiritually dead, and an enemy of God. They are also under God’s condemnation and need forgiveness. They are living under the power of Satan, even though they don’t know it. They are living life in his domain, in darkness, and they need deliverance and victory over the forces of evil. All these needs of our life are met in Christ.
John 16:8-11 “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.”
The world is full of religions that are so empty. The soul is never satisfied and there is never enough that you can do to feel you’ve gained eternal life. Try as they may nothing can satisfy the soul like Jesus. The risen Savior is all-powerful and ready to forgive and act on our part.
When we come to know Christ, life is infused into us. The guilt of sin is gone and no longer do those who have surrendered their life to Christ need to live in fear of the future. No longer do they live with the guilt of sin. No longer do they look for someone to love them, somewhere to go, or something to do. Christ gives hope, love, and a purpose for our lives. For those who have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you need to understand, at your death, there will be a transformation, and you will be more alive than you’ve ever been before!
