What is Spiritual Death?

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Written by Jimmie Burroughs Email this article to a friend

The definition of death is “separation”. Physical death comes when there is a separation from life unto death. This means that the person who dies is separated from the living, from friends, from family and from all of life experiences.

Spiritual death is a separation from God. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” (Romans 5:12)  Since all have sinned, all are separated from God and that is what the Bible refers to as the second death or spiritual death.

Now take that to the next level: The soul that faces eternal separation from God after physical death is referred to in the Bible as the second death. This is eternal lone-ness; there never will be any connection to anyone and more especially to God. When a person lives on earth, there is only a limited feeling of spiritual separation but after death it is magnified infinitely. It is not just a separation from friends and family and people in general, but it is a separation from God for all eternity, all love, all goodness, all peace, all joy and from the very source of all life. There are no words adequate to describe the emptiness, agony and eternal torment of eternal separation from God.

It is not God’s will that anyone be eternally separated from him; it is a choice that each individual must make; whether to accept God’s solution for life or reject it and accept death and separation instead.

God offers us a solution; He offers us redemption from the penalty of sin which is spiritual death and eternal separation from Him. The scriptures say, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) God’s solution to sin and eternal separation is his son, Jesus Christ. Christ paid it all in order to set us free from the penalty of sin and death.  Jesus shows us the way to a spiritual connection to God. He said, “I am the way, the truth and the life and no man cometh to the father but by me.” (John 14:6)

The way is clear and simple: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine HEART that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). We believe first in our heart for salvation and with our mouth we confess our faith in Jesus. Salvation does not come by simply praying a prayer. There is no salvation in a prayer.

Two things: Believe and confess: The world’s teaching of universalism that it doesn’t matter what you believe concerning God as long as you believe in God is simply not true. All roads do not lead to God any more than all roads lead to New York City. “There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 16:25) Jesus said there is only one way and he is that way. So what must we believe?  John said in his gospel, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

How specifically are we to believe in Jesus? First, that he is the son of God, God himself manifested in the flesh. Second, that he died on the cross for our sins and was buried and arose from the grave on the third day. This is what it means, “with the heart man believeth…”

Then how and what are we to confess? “With the mouth confession is made…” First, we confess that we are sinners in need of forgiveness. Second, the confession includes a real desire to repent and turn from a lifestyle of sin and to follow Jesus in the newness of life, a brand new way of living that focuses upon doing the will of God as laid out in the Bible. Second, confession is asking God for forgiveness and salvation. This is to be the attitude of the heart and then it can be stated in a prayer.

Here is a sample prayer that demonstrates how our belief and confession is confirmed unto God:

“Lord I know that I have sinned and need forgiveness. I believe with all my heart that Jesus died for me. I want to turn from my sinful way of living and follow Jesus instead, in obedience to him and his will. Please forgive me and save me from my sins. Thank you for saving me.”

Simple, yes, but it expresses both what is believed in the heart as well as well as a confession of our sinful state and our desire to repent and go in a new direction which includes God in our life.

If you are really serious about a spiritual connection with God, I encourage you to follow up in obedience to God’s will for your life. I have laid out a course of action for you on my www.otobefree.con website. You will find on that site many helpful articles that will guide you in your new found faith. On the navigational bar from left to right, at the top of the web page, are instructional articles concerning baptism, church membership, discipleship, the Bible and Jesus.

Foremost of importance is that you began to read the Bible daily and pray. Start your reading in the Gospel of John; include also Psalms and Proverbs. It takes time to learn the Bible and its meaning as well as how to pray. Start your prayers with praises and with thanksgiving and also pray for your needs as well as the needs of others and personal forgiveness of sins.

It is not my purpose to tell you what church to join but be sure to find one that believes and teaches the Bible and the gospel of Jesus Christ. There are many churches that are no more than a social gathering; this is a waste. I have an article on www.otobefree that will give you more specific information as to what to look for in a church. Beware also that there are many cults that look good from an outward appearance but are far from teaching the truth of God’s word. May God bless you and feel free to contact me if there is any way I can help.

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“With patience and ease, in an unselfish and purposeful way, over a time period undetermined, and for a good that includes others, I intend for $1,000,000 to come to me and to others who join me in holding to this objective.” Jimmie Burroughs




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Jimmie Burroughs is the author of JimmieBurroughs.com ; get more tips on personal development: www.JimmieBurroughs.com

JimmieBurroughs.com is founded and maintained by Jimmie Burroughs Nashville, Tennessee. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ © 2011 Jimmie Burroughs. All rights reserved

Who Is Jimmie Burroughs? Jimmie Burroughs has been involved in teaching Personal Development off and on for more than 30 years. He is a dedicated believer in Jesus Christ and considers helping others his calling in life.