Spiritual death

Rigatoni · Sep 25, 2019

HopeInJesusOnly said:
Can someone come back from a spiritual death? Is restoration possible?

Of course it's possible to come back, dear sister.

God promises never to cast out anyone who comes to Him (John 6:37). The fact you want to come back at all is a work of God Himself. Plus, I've heard many testimonies over the years of Christians in a similar situation being restored.

If we feel distant, it's because we left God, not the other way around; He doesn't move, and He never lets us go completely. He wrote your name on the very palms of His hands (Isaiah 49:16, Deuteronomy 31:6).

I'm not an expert in this, but I think God would keep it simple for us. We are commanded to take our thoughts captive to the obedience of Christ. As we do so, we'll grow in our awareness of God, His love for us and His presence. Try spending time in scripture, dwelling on the truth within and focusing on that rather than your spiritual condition. If you feel like God has left you, instead focus on the verses that say He never will. Spending time in prayer and resting in God's presence also helps - just be still before him. It takes time, but I'm sure that'll bring about spiritual restoration.

bling · Sep 25, 2019

HopeInJesusOnly said:
Can someone come back from a spiritual death? Is restoration possible?

Jesus described the prodigal son as being dead twice and he came back.

HopeInJesusOnly · Sep 25, 2019

bling said:
Jesus described the prodigal son as being dead twice and he came back.

I didn't realize this. Thank you!

bcbsr · Sep 25, 2019

HopeInJesusOnly said:
Can someone come back from a spiritual death? Is restoration possible?

Eph 2:1-5 "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions— it is by grace you have been saved"

HopeInJesusOnly · Sep 25, 2019

bcbsr said:
Eph 2:1-5 "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions— it is by grace you have been saved"

Thank you for this.

What do you think about these verses? How does one come back from the second state?

Matthew 12:44-45 King James Version (KJV)
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

Rigatoni · Sep 26, 2019

I noticed no one answered the questions posted, so I'll do my best in addressing them if it'll help.

It's not possible for a genuinely saved Christian to experience the second death. While there is evidence of servants of God falling away in scripture (Esau and King Saul), there's no evidence of a saved believer falling away. If someone does fall away completely, they would have no desire to come back whatsoever; repentance wouldn't be possible at that point. However, it is possible to feel like we've reached this point, and to feel a withdrawal of the Holy Spirit. God can allow us to feel separation in order to get our attention or teach us something.

King David is an excellent example of this. Despite committing murder and adultery, God sent a prophet to rebuke him, and to get his attention. God didn't forsake him after his egregious sin with Bathsheba and her former husband, even though he felt that way:
"Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me." -Psalm 51:11

There were times when David felt abandoned by God, but he never truly was. King David was a picture of salvation that we get to experience today.
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?"

In regards to the verses posted, it seems to be about those who are not honestly regenerated by the Holy Spirit. They may seem like Christians and seem to have a walk with God / form of godliness. But, eventually they fall away completely because they never really repented, and are in a worse state then before. Notice that Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees with that passage. They rejected Jesus as messiah, and trusted in their own works; they didn't have a relationship with Him whatsoever. Just my opinion, but someone may have better insight.

Also, this sermon by Charles Stanley might help. He's my favorite teacher on scripture.

bcbsr · Sep 26, 2019

HopeInJesusOnly said:
Thank you for this.

What do you think about these verses? How does one come back from the second state?

Matthew 12:44-45 King James Version (KJV)
44 Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.

45 Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

I don't take that passage as referring to spiritual life and spiritual death. Rather I take it as generally referring to those whom God has shown grace, but they don't act on it. Their end becomes worse than their beginning. It's kind of like the principle Peter spoke of in 2Pe 2:20 "the latter end is worse for them than the beginning."

"Coming back" is same in all cases a matter of humble repentance. Though apostates will be unwilling to do so, and indeed it's impossible to get them to repent (Heb 6:4-6) But in fact the most common scenario is an unbeliever or nominal believer (never had been saved) escaping from some addiction, but then falling back into it. Salvation is available for them if they come to genuine faith.

HopeInJesusOnly · Sep 26, 2019

Anthony7 said:
I noticed no one answered the questions posted, so I'll do my best in addressing them if it'll help.

It's not possible for a genuinely saved Christian to experience the second death. While there is evidence of servants of God falling away in scripture (Esau and King Saul), there's no evidence of a saved believer falling away. If someone does fall away completely, they would have no desire to come back whatsoever; repentance wouldn't be possible at that point. However, it is possible to feel like we've reached this point, and to feel a withdrawal of the Holy Spirit. God can allow us to feel separation in order to get our attention or teach us something.

King David is an excellent example of this. Despite committing murder and adultery, God sent a prophet to rebuke him, and to get his attention. God didn't forsake him after his egregious sin with Bathsheba and her former husband, even though he felt that way:
"Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me." -Psalm 51:11

There were times when David felt abandoned by God, but he never truly was. King David was a picture of salvation that we get to experience today.
"My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish?"

In regards to the verses posted, it seems to be about those who are not honestly regenerated by the Holy Spirit. They may seem like Christians and seem to have a walk with God / form of godliness. But, eventually they fall away completely because they never really repented, and are in a worse state then before. Notice that Jesus was speaking to the Pharisees with that passage. They rejected Jesus as messiah, and trusted in their own works; they didn't have a relationship with Him whatsoever. Just my opinion, but someone may have better insight.

Also, this sermon by Charles Stanley might help. He's my favorite teacher on scripture.

Thank you so much, Anthony. I enjoy Charles Stanley's teaching, as well. I pray I get back on God's right path for me...and maybe even receive a miracle for healing. God bless.

Anthony2019 · Sep 26, 2019

Sometimes when we are going through a difficult or challenging time in our lives, we often think that God isn't listening to us or interested in us anymore. The fact is that He cares just as much for us as He always has. He hasn't gone away, it is simply the fact that we have stopped listening to His call. One of the best ways I know to give the Lord our full undivided attention is to go on a break or retreat somewhere quiet, away from the distractions and busyness of our every day lives. I stayed a few days earlier this year in a monastery. I found my faith was reignited, I became much more aware of God's presence, and when I returned home, I joined a new church, and later became confirmed.

HopeInJesusOnly · Sep 26, 2019

Anthony2019 said:
Sometimes when we are going through a difficult or challenging time in our lives, we often think that God isn't listening to us or interested in us anymore. The fact is that He cares just as much for us as He always has. He hasn't gone away, it is simply the fact that we have stopped listening to His call. One of the best ways I know to give the Lord our full undivided attention is to go on a break or retreat somewhere quiet, away from the distractions and busyness of our every day lives. I stayed a few days earlier this year in a monastery. I found my faith was reignited, I became much more aware of God's presence, and when I returned home, I joined a new church, and later became confirmed.

The idea of staying at a monastery sounds heavenly! Just thinking about it makes me feel safe and warm. Thank you for sharing. God bless.

fhansen · Sep 26, 2019

HopeInJesusOnly said:
Can someone come back from a spiritual death? Is restoration possible?

We're born spiritually dead, separated from our Creator, the font of life and the One whom we were made to be in communion with, a relationship of mutual love. Adam spurned such a relationship, doubting God, desiring himself and his own way over God. To be reconciled with God and have that relationship established is to be born again, or born from above. That partnership, itself, is the basis of man's justice or righteousness, that which justifies him. And that which promises to keep him from sin to the extent that we remain in Him and He in us. But we can always turn around, away from Him and back to sin, and destroy that relationship anew; we can lose our state of justice and earn death, the wages of sin, all over again.

HopeInJesusOnly · Sep 26, 2019

fhansen said:
We're born spiritually dead, separated from our Creator, the font of life and the One whom we were made to be in communion with, a relationship of mutual love. Adam spurned such a relationship, doubting God, desiring himself and his own way over God. To be reconciled with God and have that relationship established is to be born again, or born from above. That partnership, itself, is the basis of man's justice or righteousness, that which justifies him. And that which promises to keep him from sin to the extent that we remain in Him and He in us. But we can always turn around, away from Him and back to sin, and destroy that relationship anew; we can lose our state of justice and earn death, the wages of sin, all over again.

It's a scary place to be. Especially when it happens inadvertently.

Thanks for your response. God bless.

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Spiritual death

Rigatoni

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bling

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HopeInJesusOnly

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bcbsr

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HopeInJesusOnly

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Rigatoni

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bcbsr

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HopeInJesusOnly

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Anthony2019

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HopeInJesusOnly

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fhansen

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HopeInJesusOnly

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