Tag Archive: Romans 1


Deadness Does Not Mean Complete Deafness- A Brief Response to the Calvinist Concept of Spiritual Deadness

Filed under: Calvinism ?s, The Good News, Truth — Leave a comment
February 25, 2017

Calvinism would say being spiritually dead means we are completely unable, like a dead body, to respond, even to the Gospel of God (Colossians 2:13), but is this conclusion actually found in the Bible?

Unfortunately, this line of reasoning is often used on biblically novice, non-Calvinists as a stepping stone into “reformed” theology. They will typically point to Jesus raising Lazarus as the prime example. (John 11:43) The argument goes something like this- Lazarus couldn’t hear Jesus because He was dead, rotting in a tomb, just like we are dead in our sins, therefore we cannot even hear God calling. And if we cannot hear God at any level, because of our deadness, then the conclusion is that God must need to first raise us from the dead for us to respond to His voice. This is the T for Total Depravity in the Calvinist acronym T.U.L.I.P. This then opens the door to the U-Unconditional Election, the L-Limited Atonement, and the I-Irresistible Grace.

At that point, many believers simply throw in the towel and begin to at least remain open, soft, and silent to Calvinism. Sadly, many have even been won over through the deadness of sin argument. But, in truth, the Lazarus argument is one developed through walking by sight, not by faith.(2 Corinthians 5:7) Deadness does not mean complete deafness.

By sight, it may appear correct to say Lazarus was dead and unable to hear the Lord, however Lazarus wasn’t dead, he was simply separated from his body. Lazarus wasn’t rotting in that tomb. His visible, physical body was. It wasn’t Lazarus who couldn’t hear and respond to Jesus, it was his body that was unable to receive soundwaves. 

Biblically speaking, death is not simply an animated, physical creature becoming permanently inanimate. Death is separation. Adam and Eve died the day they ate from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, yet they lived for many centuries beyond that day. But the day they sinned they surely died. That is to say, they were separated from God in the spiritual sense. (Genesis 2:16-17)

When Lazarus died, he was separated from his body. When Jesus called to him, it wasn’t his physical, visible rotting corpse He was calling to. It was the Lazarus who was separated from his body four days prior and was arguably in “Abraham’s Bosom” with the other Old Testament saints.  Lazarus had bodily listened to Jesus speak many times before and most likely, like Mary and Martha, had already believed Jesus was the salvation of sinners. So the attempt to use Lazarus being called from the tomb as a biblical reason to believe in the Calvinist misinterpretation of deadness is frankly out of place.

Equating spiritual death with inability to respond to the Lord’s Gospel is specious at best and deceptively destructive at worst. Apart from the Spirit we most certainly cannot know the deep things of God (1 Corinthians 2:10-14), however, there are no Scriptures that teach man’s inability to at least hear and respond to the glorious Gospel.

After all, the Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Romans 1:16). God does not save us so that we can then hear and respond to the Gospel. We all must first hear and respond (believe by faith) to the true Gospel of Jesus Christ in order to be saved. 

“If you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. 

For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture says, Whosoever believes on Him shall not be ashamed. 

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. 

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? 

And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? 

As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:9-15

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Planting Summer Seeds

Filed under: The Good News, Truth — Leave a comment
May 24, 2014

IMG_12017981708482GOOD EVANGELISM HABITS: Over the summer, it’s easy for children to forget they still have the exciting privilege of sharing God’s Word with others. Sharing is oftentimes a scary thing to think about for children (and even many adults). I mean, walking up to complete strangers and asking them if they believe in Jesus… how unnatural to our flesh!  That’s why it’s so important for children to learn good evangelism habits early on. Once they see that it’s really not that scary and that many people will at least respectfully listen, they’ll grow that much more lovingly bold at an early age. Never forget, we have the truth and the Lord on our side so we really have nothing to fear!    

Because talking to others doesn’t always come easily, comprehensive, biblical tracts can be a nice way to break the ice. With that in mind, I’ve put together a simple, black and white Bible tract that parents can print and children can cut, fold, and color.  (Reminder: Carefully read through tracts before purchasing or printing. Not all tracts are biblical. Sadly, many focus on man, not God.)

Click “HERE” to go to the Kid’s Tract PDF. Simply download it and print.20140524_183434

A SUMMER FAMILY PROJECT: Let evangelism be a fun summer family project. First, look up a few Bible verses on evangelism such as Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8, and Romans 1:15-16 during your family devotional time. Then pray about making a certain day each week designated as an evangelism day. Start out by going to familiar areas such as your neighborhood houses and grocery stores. It goes without says, but please, please, please… Safety First. Perhaps also bring a small notebook to write down names and prayer requests from people you talk with. Then consider designating another day each week to pray specifically as a family for those you’ve shared with.  Follow-up is always another great option.  Again, please us godly wisdom when following up. Some situations may warrant going with another adult instead and then sharing the story with your children later.

EVANGELISM AS A LIFESTYLE: It’s definitely beneficial to designate specific times to focus on outreach and evangelism, but it’s as much of a blessing to share the good news of Jesus as part of our daily worship unto Him. We so often have our plans, but the Lord directs our steps. Sometimes the Lord’s plans might be interwoven. For example, we all go to the grocery store, gas stations, restaurants, etc. Why not use those day-to-day trips as opportunities to tell others about Jesus? I personally make a habit of asking waiters and waitresses if they have any prayer requests. Many are happy to share a little about their children, schooling, etc. Often, it opens a door for further conversation which hopefully leads to the truth about the Lord.

These daily demonstrations of our love for the Lord and others is key, not only for our own growth, but the growth of our children. Kids are so keen to recognize hypocrisy. If we simply go to church on Sunday mornings and have no other avenues demonstrating our Christian walk, they will quickly see the dichotomy in our lives. When our daily walk is so shallow, whether we mean to or not, what we’re really telling them is that Jesus is only a microcosm of our lives. Yes, He died for our sins. Yes, He rose from the grave. And although we’re happy to have Him as our Savior, we really resist letting Him be our All in All. We often are sending the very clear message that Jesus is important, but not really that important compared to everything and everyone else.

Having daily Bible study, prayers, discussions, application, biblical consequences in discipline, biblical education, outreach, and evangelism are all excellent tools in growing in the grace of God. They are also such a blessing to everyone around us.

“I will go in the strength of the Lord GOD: I will make mention of Your righteousness, even of Your’s only. O God, You have taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared Your wondrous works.” Psalm 71:16-17

“The living, the living, he shall praise You, as I do this day: the father to the children shall make known Your truth.” Isaiah 38:19

ICE BREAKERS: Often we struggle with how to make that first connection. Here are some thoughts on helping break the ice:

  • Be genuine. Remember the person you’re talking with is a lost and eternal soul.  Most people will at least listen when they see you really care. One good quote to remember, “Evangelism is a conversations, not a presentation.” Take time to listen and care, but also be sure to take time to then swing the conversation to Jesus.
  • Handing someone a tract is a great ice breaker, but if you’re able, take the time to share the truth found in the tract.
  • Ask questions.  Ask questions. Ask questions. Many times, asking good questions helps open the door to good conversations.  Here are a few: “Could I ask you a quick question?”  “What are your thoughts about eternity?”  “Do you think the Bible is an important book?”  “We like to pray to Jesus. Do you have anything we could pray for?” Remember, if you’re going to ask questions, be ready to listen.
  • Don’t forget to pray for the Lord to direct your steps and conversations. We always want to be led by the Spirit! After all, God knows best.
  • Never forget to let the joy of the Lord be your strength. Although sharing is sometimes intimidating, it shouldn’t be daunting. Let the love of your Savior shine through. After all, He’s promised to never leave or forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)
  • The more we share, the easier it gets.
  • Don’t listen to your flesh. Although there will be times you just can’t stop and talk, we often make excuses that shouldn’t be listened to. Your flesh will stir up all kinds of fear and doubt, but take those steps of faith with confidence. Open your mouth and speak. The Lord will do the rest. (Matthew 5:2, Acts 8:35, Acts 10:34)
  • People are often willing to share their opinions about everything, so why not share in return?
  • When in doubt, share the Gospel. You will never be able to answer every question. If you get stuck, there’s nothing wrong with simply going back to what you believe and why you believe it.
  • Keep studying the Word. Although you’re not going to have all the answers, you want to keep studying the Word to prepare your heart and mind. It can also be helpful to do some research and watch others share with others. I often find helpful questions and answers by listening to other evangelizing. (2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Peter 3:15)

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings  glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Isaiah 52:7

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