THE THREE CATEGORIES OF CHRISTIAN RISERS IN 1THES. 4: 13-17 (part 3)

THOSE WHO ARE DEAD IN CHRIST. 1THES. 4: 16

Dr David Ogaga

While it is true that there are instances where the word "Dead" in the NT means a physical laying down of the body, e.g. Jn. 11:44, Rom.6:4, it is important to note that to be "DEAD IN CHRIST" is completely different in experience as compared to being "ASLEEP IN CHRIST" as explained above. While "Asleep in Jesus" means a physical laying down of the body, to be "Dead in Christ" means walking in newness of life without any form of sin in the power of the Holy Ghost.

The word says, "Well then, shall we keep on sinning so that God can keep on showing us more and more kindness and forgiveness? Of course not! Should we keep on sinning when we don't have to? For sin's power over us was broken when we became Christians and were baptized to become a part of Jesus Christ; through His death, the power of your sinful nature was shattered. Therefore, no one who has become part of God's family makes a practice' of sinning, for Christ, God's son, holds him securely and the devil cannot get his hands on Him. Rom. 6:1-3, 1Jn. 5:18 TLB. Simply put, to be "Dead in Christ" means living a holy and righteous life where you can no longer practice sin. These are those who are dead in union with Christ (Interlinear translation)- compare Eph 2:6. Doing only that which is pleasing to the Father.

In other words you are "- dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Christ our Lord" Rom.6:11 KJV. "For (as far as this world is concerned) you HAVE DIED, and your (new, real) life is HID WITH CHRIST IN GOD."Col.3:3 Amp. These are the people with minds completely centered on God. Col. 3:1. Though in the world, but out of the world. So the three categories of people to partake of the resurrection hope in the words of the Spirit are (1) those who sleep in Jesus (died physically as believers) (2) those who are alive and remain (walking in God but still short of total perfection in character and conduct) (3) those "Dead in Christ" (Those who are totally being controlled by the power of the Holy Ghost, living a holy life in this present evil world). Gal.1:4

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