John 5:25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
Ephesians 2:1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
Ephesians 2:5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved
Revelation 3:1 “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. “‘I know your works. You have the reputation of being alive, but you are dead.
Jesus had already explained that one who lives can hear His word, believe, and have everlasting life. Now He adds that one day even the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and be raised again. He said do not be astonished or surprised by what I am telling you. While we are breathing and have the appearance of life we can still be dead spiritually. When a person understands this they will make a choice to believe in or deny Jesus Christ. To believe (clings too, relies on, and trusts) in Him they are born again and alive in Christ. They rely on the words of Christ. They understand they are separated from this new life because of their sin, no matter how good they outwardly appear to live. They understand the need for redemption. They understand the need for forgiveness. They understand the need to repent and turn away from their old life. The Holy Spirit indwells them in this new life to guide, lead, instruct, and encourage them in the grace, love, mercy, will, purposes, and glory of God the Father through Jesus Christ.
When a person does not understand how they are spiritually dead, even though they are still breathing, they will make a choice to deny Jesus Christ. Though they have the appearance of being alive they are dead. They choose to deny their sin, the glory and power of God, and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ. It is in this denial they are dead while they live.
Jesus also says that a time is coming when those who are in the grave will hear his voice and be reunited with their spirit. This resurrection with the spirit and body will happen with all who have ever been alive. Some to the resurrection of life and some to the resurrection of judgment. Those who trust and believe in Jesus Christ may experience a physical death of the flesh but they will be resurrected alive to be with Christ forevermore throughout eternity. Those who deny Jesus Christ will experience a physical death of the flesh and will be resurrected to judgment, torment, and separation from God for eternity. This is the second death. This death is not an end, but it is an eternal death where there is total awareness of judgment, torment, and separation from God for eternity. We may experience a peaceful or traumatic physical death but this sting of physical death is nothing compared to the second death of those who choose to deny Jesus Christ.
Oh that the mystery of this would be made aware in full understanding in our hearts, minds, and souls.
