Understanding functional death and spiritual life in Paul's doctrine

Understanding functional death and spiritual life in Paul's doctrine

The reason a lot of people don’t have assurance of salvation today is because their faith has never been rooted and grounded in the first cornerstone of the Romans foundation, concerning the righteousness of God. Israel was ignorant of God's righteousness, and because of that, they continued to establish their own, Rom.10:1-4. One can distinguish a man who has placed his trust in the righteousness of God from one who has not. The man who hasn’t, is still trying to establish their own righteousness through the works of the law. Righteousness under the grace doctrine is not our own righteousness, nor our repentance, nor some religious experience we had 25 years ago. Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes. Our faith today is rooted and grounded upon the very righteousness of God through Christ, Rom.3:21-28.

Look at Rom.5:21: “That as sin hath reigned unto death...” How then did sin reign unto death? Through Adam's disobedience and the law of God. Let’s continue, “As sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness.” Now let’s ask, “who’s righteousness is this verse speaking of?” Yours and mine? God’s grace doesn’t reign through our righteousness, God’s grace reigns through the righteousness of His Son. You have access now to the grace of God because of Christ's righteousness, not yours. And the purpose of this grace that now reigns through righteousness is to get rid of the death that came by sin and to bring eternal life. Life and death deal with your relationship to sin and righteousness. A man that’s bound to sin is a man that’s in death. A man who cannot live unto righteousness is a man that’s dead to God. Romans 6 and 7 speaks a lot concerning death, but this is not death in the context of our physical death. Much of the context of death in these chapters is functional death, meaning that a person has no profit to God and cannot function in the spirit of righteousness and godliness. 

Types of Death in the Bible

Types of Death in the Bible

When you read verses like the following, what does Paul mean when he says we must be dead to sin, or we have become dead to the law, or when sin revived, he died? This is obviously not physical death, otherwise Paul could not write the epistles in which we read these things. What death is he talking about, and what other types of death do we learn about in the Bible?

Rom 6:11  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Rom 7:4  Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God. 

Rom 7:9  For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 

There are many types of death depicted in the Bible, not just physical death.

• there's physical death (we all know what this is!!)
• there is the eternal (the second) death which an unsaved man dies and go to the hell 
• there is spiritual death in which an unsaved man (while he lives) is alienated from the life of God
• there is positional death: a saved man’s union to the death of Christ; the moment you believe the gospel (ie: baptized into his death) 
• there is functional death: concerning something that doesn't operate or function the way it's supposed to: 

According to Romans 6:1, if I am dead to sin, why do I sin often times?

According to Romans 6:1, if I am dead to sin, why do I sin often times?

To answer this question, let’s have a closer look at some key verses in Romans 6 to provide the necessary context. Read the following verses below taking note at what was put to death,

Rom 6:3  Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  4  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Paul says, we were baptised into Christ’s death, we are buried with Him by that baptism into death, and we are planted in the likeness of His death. Now, as you read this, go ahead and pinch yourself on the arm. The pinch you felt is proof that you are still alive, right! Your body, the mortal man, is still alive and kicking, and as you rightly identified, is still sinning too. So, Paul’s statements are obviously not in reference to our mortal bodies. Well, what then was put to death? We’ll need to dig deeper.

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 3): Christ's Death

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 3): Christ's Death

Start with Part 1 of the series here.

Good News

All men have sinned against a holy God. Sin results in a terrible penalty--eternal suffering in hell. However, we will learn about God's marvelous love for mankind. "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).

The good news in the Bible is that Jesus Christ died for our sins. He paid the penalty for my sin and yours. Many people think that Christ came to earth mainly to set an example or teach us how to live. However, the primary reason for the birth of Jesus Christ was that He might die on the cross for our sins. There are many religions that claim to have wonderful teachings given by some holy man. However, only the Bible tells us that the Son of God came to earth and died for our sins. Jesus Christ "was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Romans 4:25).

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 2): Sin's Penalty

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 2): Sin's Penalty

Start with Part 1 of the series here

Penalty or Discipline?

In a previous lesson we learned that all men are born with a sin nature and that all men are sinners by their own will. Even children are sinners. They lie, cheat, steal, and hate without even being taught to do these things. Now we will consider the serious consequences that sin brings. There are, of course, natural consequences to sin. As a child our parents may spank us if we lie. If we are caught stealing, we will be in trouble according to the laws of our nation. However, the full penalty of sin is still in the future.

God is a holy God and His wrath must come upon all that offend Him. The penalty of sin is not that God will discipline us. God may discipline out of love to correct His child (Hebrews 12:6). Sin's penalty however, comes from the justice of God and is intended to punish, not correct, the sinner. When a murderer is put to death, this does not correct him, but gives to him the penalty of his sin. In the same way, there is a penalty for sinning against a holy God.

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 1): Man’s Sin Condition

Grace Gospel 101 (Part 1): Man’s Sin Condition

The Fall of Man

The first man ever to live was Adam and the first woman was Eve. They lived in the Garden in Eden. God had provided for all of the needs of Adam and Eve. They were given great freedom in the Garden. However, God put Adam to the test in one area: "And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die" (Genesis 2:16-17). The only restriction placed upon Adam was that he must not eat of "the tree of the knowledge of good and evil."

God was testing Adam to see if he would obey. Adam failed the test: "And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat" (Genesis 3:6). Thus, Adam disobeyed God and ate of the forbidden fruit.

How does Romans 5 to 8 work in a Human Being? (Part 4 - Who is the husband and who is the wife?)

How does Romans 5 to 8 work in a Human Being? (Part 4 - Who is the husband and who is the wife?)

Start at part 1 here: Part 1

In Romans 7:1-4, Paul uses an analogy of a wife that is bound to her husband because of the law of marriage. In the context of the passage, the analogy helps us to understand that we are not bound by ‘the law’, since we have died to it by the death of Christ, as explained in chapter 6. In the context of our current study, concerning the structure of a human being, and concerning the heart of man (the outer man), and the spiritual mind (the inner man), this analogy perfectly describes the two ‘soul’ parts within a person. Before we dive into this lesson, let’s first read the analogy again,

Rom 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? 2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. 3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. 

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 9: Widowed from the Law by Christ's Death)

Start this post series from the beginning, here.

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 9: Widowed from the Law by the Christ's Death)

In Romans chapter 6, Paul has put much focus on the truth that we have died to the old Adamic administration, and therefore we have much to learn and know to renew our minds to this fact. It is our minds, and the pattern of our thinking, that must come up to the same level as the reality of our justification in heaven. Because of its foundational context, this knowledge is the first thing that we should learn, and know, after we get saved. Our minds must become so in tune with what Christ’s administration means, that our actions, reactions, thoughts, and language, should change to match the reality of the attributes in this new administration we have been transferred into.

But, where Romans 6 talks about our death to Adam’s administration, it is chapter 7 that introduces our separation from another stumbling block, —the law. Paul likens the believer to have been married to the law, but now, through Christ’s death, and our union with His death, we have been widowed from the law. As important it is to understand that we are dead to Adam’s administration, it is of equal importance that we understand our widowed status to the law.

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 8: Reckon yourselves as dead to sin)

Start this post series from the beginning, here.

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 8: Reckon yourselves as dead to sin)

I’d like to summarize things in this section and bring as much clarity to Romans 6 as possible, before we move on to chapter 7. Chapter 6 is of great importance because it is firstly a foundational chapter that will provide us with stability and grounding in our Christian walk, but secondly, it provides us with the information we need to know to ensure this foundation is being laid properly in our lives.

In Romans 5, Paul has led us through the positional aspect of justification which happens when you believe in Christ through the message of the grace gospel. Justification is a verdict of righteousness and innocence declared upon us by the imputation of Christ’s righteousness. It is God’s work and something that happens outside of our influence and control. We are literally transferred from the administration of Adam into the administration of Christ. When we are moved into Christ’s administration, EVERYTHING changes. It is this understanding (and faith) that we need to know and become very acquainted with. The section in this study called, “The Two Administrations”, is what I refer to here.

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 5: Gaining Knowledge)

Start this post series from the beginning, here.

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 5: Gaining Knowledge)

Keep in mind that this post is a small part of a greater study. To understand this part in its proper context, one must evaluate it based on the full context of the whole study.

We are advancing through the understanding of the second cornerstone of the Romans foundation. This cornerstone deals with God’s grace, and this post follows the understanding that grace starts with justification. What is justification? It is the absolute salvation of a person by the grace of God through their faith in Jesus Christ. The following verse puts justification in a perfect summary,

Rom 4:5  But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 4: Positional Grace: The Two Administrations)

Start this post series from the beginning, here.

The Four Cornerstones of Romans (Part 4: Positional Grace: The Two Administrations)

This is the second part of Positional Grace. To gain proper context, please review Positional Grace (Part 1) before reading this post. 

In part 1 of Positional Grace we learned that this first level of grace is set in place in the heavens. In essence, positional grace is your justification. The moment you believe in Jesus Christ, hearing and responding to the gospel of grace, you become eternally saved. There are events that happen in heaven that account for your saved status. This is expounded upon in part 1, but the key points of these events are as follows,

Life, death, and the timing and meaning of the cross of Christ

Life, death, and the timing and meaning of the cross of Christ

QUESTION:

What will happen to the souls of those who died before Jesus Christ? Did they go to the nothingness or hell if they didn’t know Jesus’ name. They died before Him. So where are they now?

If the time of Jesus death have no meaning, then what meaning has it? Why was His death needed? If He did not die, would we go to hell?

I don’t get it. If they will be saved even before Jesus’ death, then His death is pointless. If it has any meaning and value, then why would those who died before Him be damned? Isn’t that proof that we aren’t equal before God at all?

ANSWER:

The doctrine of death and the afterlife is wide and there are many different theories. Some believe in “soul sleep” which means while the body is 6-feet under at death, they are aware of nothing. No consciousness, no thinking or experiences, but just waiting in ‘sleep’ for their resurrection in their order. The Bible has many references that can suggest this.

What happens to the righteous and wicked at death?

The following is my 'current' interpretation of the scriptures. I do not claim to be dogmatic on this topic, but then again, neither can anyone else. I'm answering this simply to provide you, the reader, with scriptures that you can interpret for yourself and formulate your own conclusion.

The word "hell" is translated as "grave" in both the Hebrew ("Sheol") and Greek ("Hades") languages. Grave represents death, or to sleep, or an unconscious state of inactivity.

Ecc.9:10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Understanding the New Testament Gospel Differences (Part 7)

Understanding the New Testament Gospel Differences (Part 7 --- The meaning of Christ's death was unknown)

We continue with the comparison of the gospel of God and the gospel of Christ by looking at key elements that distinguish them from each other. I recommend to start at the beginning of this comparison to gain the necessary context of this series of posts.

The meaning of Christ's death was unknown during the Gospels and early Acts

During Jesus early ministry, His followers did not know that the purpose of His first advent was to sacrifice Himself. According to their prophetic scriptures, Jews believed that when their Messiah would come, He would come as a King and a conqueror. 

Eternal Life or Eternal Death – Man's Choice

Article written by Arthur J Licursi (on his website here)

The "gospel of Christ" is the most glorious offering our creator God could make unto lost mankind.

"For I [Paul] am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it [Paul's "gospel of the grace of God" for this age] is The Power of God unto Salvation to every one that BELIEVETH…" (Romans 1:16 (KJV))

The one caveat in the above verse is to "BELIEVE," trusting in Christ, as the Sole Basis of One's Salvation. This means all men are free to Choose Salvation unto eternal life or, alternatively, they may reject Christ… unto "everlasting destruction."

Q-A: Where would you go after you die

Where Would You Go If You Were To Die Right Now? The most important question one can ever ask!

Where Would You Go If You Were To Die Right Now?

Heaven or Hell? 

What caused you to answer the way you did?
Are you sure you are correct?  

Alex Balingit walks us through just how simple salvation is, what it takes for a person to become a member of Christ's body, and what guarantees that you will enter Heaven once this life is over.

This video and the caption text above is from the WWURD.com YouTube channel.

S-A: (Rev20-6) He that hath part in the first resurrection

Scripture Analysis: (Rev.20:6) Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection

The Difference Between Sin and Sins

The Difference Between Sin and Sins

It's always good if one learns a new insight or revelation that causes you to see something new in the scriptures; to help you to understand a verse or passage in a deeper or more profound way. One such moment came for me when I learned that there was a marked difference between the word "Sin" and the word "Sins". One might think that it's the same thing except that the plural means more than one sin, right? Well, actually, no, depending on the context of the verse.

Lets look at some verses that illustrate the difference between the two,