Yes, Calvinists—free will IS in the Bible.

[TomL]

Tom, I do understand by hearing what Paul said.

Ephesians 1:19,20​

“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,”

Do you hear what Paul is saying? No you do not based upon your teaching. Tom, God's elect, believe according to God's mighty power, "the same power" that raised Christ from the dead, is the same power used to raised us from being dead in tresspasses and sin!

So, it is you and others who do not truly understand what it means to be dead in tresspasses and sin. You think the preacher's alarm clock is all that's needed to raise up the dead in sins to life in Jesus Christ; well, sir, you are dead wrong on this subject. It take the mighty power of God to resurrect dead sinners to spiritual life, the mighty voice of the Son of God alone must bring forth sinners from being dead spiritually speaking to eternal life ~ our weak efforts are far too little to bring a sinner from being dead in tresspasses and sins to life in Jesus Christ. The new birth is a birth by the Spirit of God, apart from all means whatsoever.

First this is what I posted and you did not respond to

Look at the parable of the lost son

Luke 15:11–24 (LEB) — 11 And he said, “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that is coming to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. 13 And after not many days, the younger son gathered everything and went on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his wealth by living wastefully. 14 And after he had spent everything, there was a severe famine throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 And he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to tend pigs. 16 And he was longing to fill his stomach with the carob pods that the pigs were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have an abundance of food, and I am dying here from hunger! 18 I will set out and go to my father and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight! 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son! Make me like one of your hired workers.’ 20 And he set out and came to his own father. But while he was still a long way away, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And his son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight! I am no longer worthy to be called your son!’ 22 But his father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 And bring the fattened calf—kill it and let us eat and celebrate, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

The son was dead that is relationally separated from his Father

That is the biblical spiritual deadness
The son became alive to the Father having returned to him
and concerning ability
Romans 10:5–9 (LEB) — 5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is from the law: “The person who does this will live by it.” 6 But the righteousness from faith speaks like this: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’ ” (that is, to bring Christ down), 7 or “Who will descend into the abyss?” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). 8 But what does it say? “The word is near to you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim), 9 that if you confess with your mouth “Jesus is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Scripture confirms (The word is near to you, in your mouth and in your heart”)


And concerning John 5:24
John 5:24–25 (LEB) — 24 Truly, truly I say to you that the one who hears my word and who believes the one who sent me has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 “Truly, truly I say to you, that an hour is coming—and now is here—when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and the ones who hear will live.

You ignored the comments of the greek scholar
and failed to understand the relationship between passing from death to life and not coming into condemnation

Passing from death to life precedes condemnation.
and you ignored the following verse
John 5:24–25 (LEB) — 24 Truly, truly I say to you that the one who hears my word and who believes the one who sent me has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. 25 “Truly, truly I say to you, that an hour is coming—and now is here—when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and the ones who hear will live.

The spiritually dead hear and live

Those who hear and believe shall live.

Now, for what you do post

Ephesians 1:19–20 (LEB) — 19 and what is the surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his mighty strength 20 which he has worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavenly places,

It speaks of the greatness of God's power toward those who believe.

It does not say he determined their belief nor does it state he regenerated them so that they believed..

You are assuming your theology and reading it into the passage

That is eisegesis not exegesis.

It is contrary to God's word here

Deuteronomy 30:11–19 (LEB) — 11 “For this commandment that I am commanding you today is not too wonderful for you, and it is not too far from you. 12 It is not in the heavens so that you might say, ‘Who will go up for us to the heavens and get it for us and cause us to hear it, so that we may do it?’ 13 And it is not beyond the sea, so that you might say, ‘Who will cross for us to the other side of the sea and take it for us and cause us to hear it, so that we may do it?’ 14 But the word is very near you, even in your mouth and in your heart, so that you may do it. 15 “See, I am setting before you today life and prosperity and death and disaster; 16 what I am commanding you today is to love Yahweh your God by going in his ways and by keeping his commandments and his statutes and his regulations, and then you will live, and you will become numerous, and Yahweh your God will bless you in the land where you are going. 17 However, if your heart turns aside and you do not listen and you are lured away and you bow down to other gods and you serve them, 18 I declare to you today that you will certainly perish; you will not extend your time on the land that you are crossing the Jordan to go there to take possession of it. 19 I invoke as a witness against you today the heaven and the earth: life and death I have set before you, blessing and curse. So choose life, so that you may live, you and your offspring,

And regarding reception, regeneration of the Spirit

Ephesians 1:13–14 (LEB) — 13 in whom also you, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also when you believed you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory.

Galatians 3:2 (LEB) — 2 I want only to learn this from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?


You will note the Spirit is received when they believe.

It is reception of the Spirit which regenerates, makes alive

Titus 3:5–6 (LEB) — 5 he saved us, not by deeds of righteousness that we have done, but because of his mercy, through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,

John 7:38–39 (LEB) — 38 the one who believes in me. Just as the scripture said, ‘Out of his belly will flow rivers of living water.’ ” 39 (Now he said this concerning the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were about to receive. For the Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.)

John 6:63The Spirit is the one who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.
2 Cor 3:6who also makes us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter, but of the Spirit, for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

Finally

John 1:12–13 (LEB) — 12 But as many as received him—to those who believe in his name—he gave to them authority to become children of God, 13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of a husband, but of God.

It is reception—belief in the name of Christ—that causes one to be born again.

and from Christ's message to Nicodemus

John 3:8–18 (LEB) — 8 The wind blows wherever it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus answered and said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you the teacher of Israel, and you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly I say to you, we speak what we know, and we testify about what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony! 12 If I tell you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 And no one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, thus it is necessary that the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 so that everyone who believes in him will have eternal life.” 16 For in this way God loved the world, so that he gave his one and only Son, in order that everyone who believes in him will not perish, but will have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world in order that he should judge the world, but in order that the world should be saved through him. 18 The one who believes in him is not judged, but the one who does not believe has already been judged, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.

one who believes in Christ is born of the Spirit and given eternal life

 

[Red Baker]

@TomL
You asked:

Now do you want to reconsider?

So, Tom you believe one that is dead in tresspasses and in sins must do spiritual acts that even a born again child of God fails to do perfectly, before they live? The devil has stolen your powers to even be rational in your thinking.

So, Tom you believe one that is dead in tresspasses and in sins must do spiritual acts that even a born again child of God fails to do perfectly, before they live? The devil has stolen your powers to even be rational in your thinking.

Tom, look what I said, both are the same quote, just emphasis are different, so, no I do not to reconsider, but you need to read this again, and again, until you see exactly what I said.

 

[TomL]

@TomL
You asked:



Tom, look what I said, both are the same quote, just emphasis are different, so, no I do not to reconsider, but you need to read this again, and again, until you see exactly what I said.

Your conclusion is seen bolded red in your comment below

So, Tom you believe one that is dead in tresspasses and in sins must do spiritual acts that even a born again child of God fails to do perfectly, before they live? The devil has stolen your powers to even be rational in your thinking.

So you had in fact assumed I believed we must do spiritual acts that even a born again child of God fails to do perfectly, before they live

to claim The devil has stolen your powers to even be rational in your thinking.

But I do not believe we must do spiritual acts that even a born again child of God fails to do perfectly, before they live

And have never suggested or claimed any such thing nor is there even a rational need of such.

Therefore, I repeat, you do need to reconsider.

And recognize your failure to deal with rational and scriptural arguments.

 

[TomL]

This is preposterous.

What is preposterous is the failure to address this

He was dead (past tense not future) to his father

18 I will set out and go to my father and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight! 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son! Make me like one of your hired workers.’ 20 And he set out and came to his own father. But while he was still a long way away, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And his son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight! I am no longer worthy to be called your son!’ 22 But his father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 And bring the fattened calf—kill it and let us eat and celebrate, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

Death here is relational and indicates separation

The son passed over from a relationship that had died back to a living relationship.

A passing from death to life




Well, that is a position that is found nowhere in scripture.

Adam had a clear relationship with God.

However, it is rather curious how you can deny man ever being spiritually alive.

John 5:24 (LEB) — 24 Truly, truly I say to you that the one who hears my word and who believes the one who sent me has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

Here, man has passed from death to life. It is not a passing from physical death to physical life

Paul speaks of the experience of going from life to death

Romans 7:9 (LEB) — 9 And I was alive once, apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life

Romans 7:11 (LEB) — 11 For sin, seizing the opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me.

Ephesians 2:4–5 (LEB) — 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of his great love with which he loved us, 5 and we being dead in trespasses, he made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved),

Again, it is not physical life or death that is in view here.

Spiritual life, however, is in view

other verses as well

1 John 3:14 (LEB) — 14 We know that we have passed over from death to life because we love the brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.

John 20:31 (LEB) — 31 but these things are recorded in order that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Glossary
Spiritual life: Spiritual life refers to the lived experience of faith and relationship with God within a religious or spiritual context. It encompasses practices, beliefs, experiences, and disciplines that deepen one’s connection to the divine and foster personal transformation. Spiritual life often involves prayer, meditation, worship, ethical…
Transformation in Theosis: Embracing the Divine Nature

What Does It Mean to Have Spiritual Life?
Question: What does it mean to have spiritual life? Answer: The spirit is the immaterial part of humans that has the capacity to relate to God…
Got Questions? Bible Questions Answered, Volume 2 (2014–2021)

Adam

Can you claim he was created spiritually dead?

God stated to him

Genesis 2:17 (LEB) — 17 but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you shall surely die.”

If he was going to die should he fail to keep the commandment of God, he must have been in a living state.

It is not physical death, as Adam continued living physically and did not die in that manner the day he sinned.
And so your theology stands refuted.




I am sorry, but you are clearly mistaken.

The son was dead and he became alive in the text

And it was a restoration of the relationship with his father which is spoken of

Luke 15:22–24 (LEB) — 22 But his father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 And bring the fattened calf—kill it and let us eat and celebrate, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

He was dead and made alive again

He was relationally lost to the father and then found as to relationally relate to his father to the joy of his father.

Did you receive life when you were born? Were you born from your mother's womb dead? Who wrote this post in your name?

Why would you ask such a thing

Had you read the context of the prodigal son you should have understood it was the son's action regarding the father is why he was termed dead to the father.

Luke 15:11–19 (LEB) — 11 And he said, “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that is coming to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. 13 And after not many days, the younger son gathered everything and went on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his wealth by living wastefully. 14 And after he had spent everything, there was a severe famine throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 And he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to tend pigs. 16 And he was longing to fill his stomach with the carob pods that the pigs were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have an abundance of food, and I am dying here from hunger! 18 I will set out and go to my father and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight! 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son! Make me like one of your hired workers.’

Luke 15:20–24 (LEB) — 20 And he set out and came to his own father. But while he was still a long way away, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And his son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight! I am no longer worthy to be called your son!’ 22 But his father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 And bring the fattened calf—kill it and let us eat and celebrate, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

And that is the word of God not TomL

 

[TomL]

What is spiritual death?​

Death is separation. A physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. Spiritual death, which is of greater significance, is the separation of the soul from God. In Genesis 2:17, God tells Adam that in the day he eats of the forbidden fruit he will “surely die.” Adam does fall, but his physical death does not occur immediately; God must have had another type of death in mind—spiritual death. This separation from God is exactly what we see in Genesis 3:8. When Adam and Eve heard the voice of the Lord, they “hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God.” The fellowship had been broken. They were spiritually dead.

A man without Christ is spiritually dead. Paul describes it as “being alienated from the life of God” in Ephesians 4:18. (To be separated from life is the same as being dead.) The natural man, like Adam hiding in the garden, is isolated from God. When we are born again, the spiritual death is reversed. Before salvation, we are dead (spiritually), but Jesus gives us life. “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,” (Ephesians 2:1 NKJV). “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins” (Colossians 2:13). https://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-death.html

What defines being spiritually dead? ►​

​

​

​ What defines being spiritually dead?​ Definition of Spiritual Death Spiritual death refers to an individual’s condition of separation from the life and fellowship that come from God. In this state, a person is unreceptive to divine truth, cut off from authentic communion with the Creator. The Berean Standard Bible presents clear references to this concept, notably in Ephesians 2:1: “As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins.” While physically alive, those who are spiritually dead do not share in the righteousness and genuine life that God imparts. Biblical Foundation From the earliest chapters of Scripture, spiritual death is portrayed as a direct consequence of disobedience to God’s command. In Genesis 2:17, the warning is given to Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil: “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for in the day that you eat of it you will surely die.” Their eventual disobedience (Genesis 3) introduced the principle of sin into the world - bringing both physical mortality (eventual death of the body) and spiritual separation from God. Later, Romans 5:12 reinforces this theme: “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 statement underscores that humans inherit both a sinful nature and the resulting estrangement from God, evidencing the universal extent of spiritual death. Nature and Indicators of Spiritual Death 1. Separation from the Presence of God One of the most evident marks of spiritual death is being cut off from God’s presence. Ephesians 2:12 depicts unbelievers as “separated from Christ… without hope and without God in the world.” This lack of relationship manifests in a moral and existential chasm that can only be bridged by divine intervention. 2. Inability to Comprehend Spiritual Truths According to 1 Corinthians 2:14, “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them.” When spiritually dead, a person experiences a type of blindness that keeps them from discerning God’s truth. 3. Enslavement to Sin Being spiritually dead often goes hand in hand with an internal surrender to the impulses of sin. Romans 6:20 describes this bondage: “For when you were slaves to sin, you were free of obligation to righteousness.” The spiritually dead follow a course influenced by passions and desires contrary to God’s holiness, confirming their separation from the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. Historical and Theological Confirmations In addition to the biblical text, ample scholarly study confirms that the concept of spiritual death appears consistently throughout the Scriptures. Ancient manuscript evidence, including portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other biblical texts, reveals remarkably consistent language describing humanity’s inherent brokenness and divine separation. These findings reinforce the Scriptural claims that a relational rift exists between humanity and God and that a supernatural remedy is needed to restore that relationship. Causes and Consequences 1. Sin and Disobedience Spiritual death arises first and foremost from willful rebellion against God’s holiness. This disobedience places humanity under the penalty of sin - “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) - necessitating a remedy beyond human capacity. 2. Hardening of the Heart Persistent rejection of God’s truth fosters a calloused heart. As stated in Ephesians 4:18, unbelievers are “darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.” The hardened heart becomes a barrier, perpetuating spiritual lifelessness. 3. Lack of Repentance Without a true turning away from sin (repentance), spiritual death continues. Luke 13:3 states, “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” This perishing is not only physical but reflects the ongoing nature of existing in spiritual deadness. Illustrations and Examples 1. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:24) “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Here, “dead” characterizes the son’s alienation from his father’s household. When he repents and returns, he is described as becoming “alive.” This parable underscores that separation in relationship (spiritual deadness) is restored through humility and return to the Father.​

What defines being spiritually dead?

​

 

[praise_yeshua]

What is preposterous is the failure to address this

I feel like I'm talking to a Calvinist today. I know you're different but not entirely. You're making arguments like Calvinists make....

You know.... "dead".... past tense. Reason with me. Don't do take this preposterous path.

Language is limited. We don't use words today like they did when Jesus spoke these words. We try to get exactness out of very short "blurbs" or words that don't carry the force of meaning you believe they do. I can list dozens of verses were "death" isn't literally "death" whether past, present, future.... tense etc.

Even the context of "Spiritual Death" requires a literal application of condition.

The way you're approaching "death" is contrary to fact. It doesn't matter how "past tense" means anything to you today....

Why would you ask such a thing

Had you read the context of the prodigal son you should have understood it was the son's action regarding the father is why he was termed dead to the father.

Luke 15:11–19 (LEB) — 11 And he said, “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that is coming to me.’ So he divided his assets between them. 13 And after not many days, the younger son gathered everything and went on a journey to a distant country, and there he squandered his wealth by living wastefully. 14 And after he had spent everything, there was a severe famine throughout that country, and he began to be in need. 15 And he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to tend pigs. 16 And he was longing to fill his stomach with the carob pods that the pigs were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. 17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have an abundance of food, and I am dying here from hunger! 18 I will set out and go to my father and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight! 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son! Make me like one of your hired workers.’

Luke 15:20–24 (LEB) — 20 And he set out and came to his own father. But while he was still a long way away, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And his son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight! I am no longer worthy to be called your son!’ 22 But his father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 And bring the fattened calf—kill it and let us eat and celebrate, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

And that is the word of God not TomL

I've read it many times. Given it much thought. I've preached from it. I understand it well.

The Father wasn't looking for a dead son to return. Literally dead men "know nothing".....

Can we stop this nonsense?

If the son hadn't returned, he would have eventually died in his sin. In that context, his disposition was inevitable. He "abided" in death. Yet, he was still alive. There was hope. The Father keep looking. The Father wasn't looking at the stark reality of dead bones. To the Father, his son was alive and there was still hope....

The Father's son eventually "came to himself".

Lukr 15:17 And when he came to himself, he said......

Can I remind you of something Jesus said....

Luk 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead:

Now. I see this for what it is. I don't fabricate nonsense such as "spiritual death" while being physically alive. Man doesn't innately possess Eternal Life. That is what Jesus died for. The right to Eternal Life for humanity.

Man ABSENT GOD, has no other disposition than death.

 

[praise_yeshua]

What is spiritual death?​

Death is separation. A physical death is the separation of the soul from the body. Spiritual death, which is of greater significance, is the separation of the soul from God. In Genesis 2:17, God tells Adam that in the day he eats of the forbidden fruit he will “surely die.” Adam does fall, but his physical death does not occur immediately; God must have had another type of death in mind—spiritual death. This separation from God is exactly what we see in Genesis 3:8. When Adam and Eve heard the voice of the Lord, they “hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God.” The fellowship had been broken. They were spiritually dead.

A man without Christ is spiritually dead. Paul describes it as “being alienated from the life of God” in Ephesians 4:18. (To be separated from life is the same as being dead.) The natural man, like Adam hiding in the garden, is isolated from God. When we are born again, the spiritual death is reversed. Before salvation, we are dead (spiritually), but Jesus gives us life. “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,” (Ephesians 2:1 NKJV). “When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins” (Colossians 2:13). https://www.gotquestions.org/spiritual-death.html

What defines being spiritually dead? ►​

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​ What defines being spiritually dead?​ Definition of Spiritual Death Spiritual death refers to an individual’s condition of separation from the life and fellowship that come from God. In this state, a person is unreceptive to divine truth, cut off from authentic communion with the Creator. The Berean Standard Bible presents clear references to this concept, notably in Ephesians 2:1: “As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins.” While physically alive, those who are spiritually dead do not share in the righteousness and genuine life that God imparts. Biblical Foundation From the earliest chapters of Scripture, spiritual death is portrayed as a direct consequence of disobedience to God’s command. In Genesis 2:17, the warning is given to Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil: “You must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for in the day that you eat of it you will surely die.” Their eventual disobedience (Genesis 3) introduced the principle of sin into the world - bringing both physical mortality (eventual death of the body) and spiritual separation from God. Later, Romans 5:12 reinforces this theme: “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 statement underscores that humans inherit both a sinful nature and the resulting estrangement from God, evidencing the universal extent of spiritual death. Nature and Indicators of Spiritual Death 1. Separation from the Presence of God One of the most evident marks of spiritual death is being cut off from God’s presence. Ephesians 2:12 depicts unbelievers as “separated from Christ… without hope and without God in the world.” This lack of relationship manifests in a moral and existential chasm that can only be bridged by divine intervention. 2. Inability to Comprehend Spiritual Truths According to 1 Corinthians 2:14, “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them.” When spiritually dead, a person experiences a type of blindness that keeps them from discerning God’s truth. 3. Enslavement to Sin Being spiritually dead often goes hand in hand with an internal surrender to the impulses of sin. Romans 6:20 describes this bondage: “For when you were slaves to sin, you were free of obligation to righteousness.” The spiritually dead follow a course influenced by passions and desires contrary to God’s holiness, confirming their separation from the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit. Historical and Theological Confirmations In addition to the biblical text, ample scholarly study confirms that the concept of spiritual death appears consistently throughout the Scriptures. Ancient manuscript evidence, including portions of the Dead Sea Scrolls and other biblical texts, reveals remarkably consistent language describing humanity’s inherent brokenness and divine separation. These findings reinforce the Scriptural claims that a relational rift exists between humanity and God and that a supernatural remedy is needed to restore that relationship. Causes and Consequences 1. Sin and Disobedience Spiritual death arises first and foremost from willful rebellion against God’s holiness. This disobedience places humanity under the penalty of sin - “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) - necessitating a remedy beyond human capacity. 2. Hardening of the Heart Persistent rejection of God’s truth fosters a calloused heart. As stated in Ephesians 4:18, unbelievers are “darkened in their understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardness of their hearts.” The hardened heart becomes a barrier, perpetuating spiritual lifelessness. 3. Lack of Repentance Without a true turning away from sin (repentance), spiritual death continues. Luke 13:3 states, “But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” This perishing is not only physical but reflects the ongoing nature of existing in spiritual deadness. Illustrations and Examples 1. The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:24) “For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” Here, “dead” characterizes the son’s alienation from his father’s household. When he repents and returns, he is described as becoming “alive.” This parable underscores that separation in relationship (spiritual deadness) is restored through humility and return to the Father.​

What defines being spiritually dead?

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There are literally millions of such words to be found everywhere on the internet and in commentaries. There is no need to regurgitate them here to me. I mean do it if you like but I already know them. I've known them for very long time.

It it much better to "come at" the Truth from a different perspective. You want to see "spiritual death" in these words you post.

I see the "absence of life".

Adam didn't have the relationship with God in the Garden that we have with Jesus Christ. Adam never knew that until He was born again. Born twice. The NEW Birth.

So lets start there. Would you?

You'll have an entirely different perspective if you start there. Adam didn't fall from heaven. He was of the earth from the beginning.

 

[brightfame52]

What did the scripture say

It didnt say he stopped being dead. That can only be a work of God. Its called resurrection. Do you believe men resurrect themselves from being dead ?

 

[civic]

It didnt say he stopped being dead. That can only be a work of God. Its called resurrection. Do you believe men resurrect themselves from being dead ?

strawman alert.

both believers and unbelievers will be resurrected from the dead.

 

[TomL]

It didnt say he stopped being dead. That can only be a work of God. Its called resurrection. Do you believe men resurrect themselves from being dead ?

It's a parable

What did the scripture say

18 I will set out and go to my father and will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight! 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son! Make me like one of your hired workers.’ 20 And he set out and came to his own father. But while he was still a long way away, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21 And his son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight! I am no longer worthy to be called your son!’ 22 But his father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 And bring the fattened calf—kill it and let us eat and celebrate, 24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

What did the prodigal do?

Did he as a result not go from being dead to the Father to being alive to him?

and it clearly notes the son became dead and then alive to his father

Generous nature of divine pardon

What​

The parable of the lost son teaches us about the generous nature of divine pardon and the focus on restoration for those who have gone far astray. It emphasizes that forgiveness is a powerful force that can heal deep wounds and restore relationships. The father's compassion and willingness to forgive the prodigal son symbolize the unconditional love and grace of God. This parable serves as a reminder that transformation is possible, and love can heal the messiest of journeys.

The Faith Space

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Prodigal Son?​

Answer

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is found in Luke 15:11–32. The character of the forgiving father, who remains constant throughout the story, is a picture of God. In telling the story, Jesus identifies Himself with God in His loving attitude toward the lost, symbolized by the younger son (the tax collectors and sinners of Luke 15:1). The elder brother represents the self-righteous (the Pharisees and teachers of the law of Luke 15:2).

The major theme of this parable is not so much the conversion of the sinner, as in the previous two parables of Luke 15, but rather the restoration of a believer into fellowship with the Father. In the first two parables, the owner went out to look for what was lost (Luke 15:1–10), whereas in this story the father waits and watches eagerly for his son’s return. We see a progression through the three parables from the relationship of one in a hundred (Luke 15:1–7), to one in ten (Luke 15:8–10), to one in one (Luke 15:11–32), demonstrating God’s love for each individual and His personal attentiveness toward all humanity. We see in this story the graciousness of the father overshadowing the sinfulness of the son, as it is the memory of the father’s goodness that brings the prodigal son to repentance (Romans 2:4).

 

[TomL]

It didnt say he stopped being dead. That can only be a work of God. Its called resurrection. Do you believe men resurrect themselves from being dead ?

Let's see what it states

24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

 

[brightfame52]

That is clearly what had happened in the prodigal son parable.

Thats man making himself Go

 

[TomL]

There are literally millions of such words to be found everywhere on the internet and in commentaries. There is no need to regurgitate them here to me. I mean do it if you like but I already know them. I've known them for very long time.

What makes you think it is posted just for you?

It was actually posted for a few

 

[brightfame52]

strawman alert.

both believers and unbelievers will be resurrected from the dead.

Yeah but they dont resurrect themselves

 

[brightfame52]

It's a parable

Man is still dead in sin, that parable illustrated that. Those dead in sin need quickening Eph 2:5

5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)


The parable is glorifying Grace, not a man raising himself from the dead, that deifying man

 

[praise_yeshua]

What makes you think it is posted just for you?

It was actually posted for a few

Okay. I believe most everyone here understands the context here, but maybe not.

 

[civic]

Yeah but they dont resurrect themselves

never said they did but those who first believe in Jesus who is the Resurrection and the Life will be resurrected to life with Him.

 

[brightfame52]

Let's see what it states

24 because this son of mine was dead, and is alive again! He was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

yep he was dead and was lost Credit to God

 

[civic]

yep he was dead and was lost Credit to God

Not dead like you believe since “ he came to his own senses “ which proves your view of dead is dead

 

[brightfame52]

never said they did but those who first believe in Jesus who is the Resurrection and the Life will be resurrected to life with Him.

If anything or anyone dead comes to life, its Gods doing, not theirs.