Spiritually Alive

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.

–John 6:44

We will never fully appreciate God’s grace until we understand our past condition. Colossians 2:13 says that we were “dead in [our] transgressions and the uncircumcision of [our] flesh.” Apart from Christ, we were spiritually dead.

But notice our present condition: “He made you alive together with Him” (v. 13). By God’s grace, He has made us spiritually alive.

What’s the difference between being spiritually dead and spiritually alive?

In relation to sin: People who are spiritually dead have no deep remorse for their sins. They may be sorry they get caught; they may be sorry about some of the consequences. But there’s no realization that their primary sin is against God and God alone. Those who are spiritually alive still sin occasionally, but they can’t do so without feeling deep brokenness, realizing, as David said, “Against You, You only, I have sinned” (Psalm 51:4).

In relation to God’s Word: People who are spiritually dead have no desire to read the Bible. But those who are spiritually alive “long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it [they] may grow in respect to salvation” (1 Peter 2:2).

In relation to God’s people: People who are spiritually dead would rather be anyplace in the universe than sitting in a church service. It’s something they endure rather than enjoy. But those who are spiritually alive can’t wait to gather together with God’s saints.

In relation to sinful behaviors, addictions, and habits: People who are spiritually dead are slaves to sin. No matter how many times they vow to change, they cannot break the chains of sin; they are prisoners to their habits and addictions. But those who are spiritually alive have been set free. Sin no longer controls their lives. Sin is the exception rather than the rule.

That’s the difference between being spiritually dead and spiritually alive. Because of God’s grace in your life, you’re able to respond to the gospel. In John 6:44, Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” God has given you the ability to come to Christ by making you spiritually alive.

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Today’s devotion is adapted from “Amazing Grace” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2012.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.