Welcome!

QUESTION 47
In what way do we understand the word "death" in Romans 6:23?

ANSWER:
The verse reads, "For the wages of sin is death..." Since the Bible teaches that there are three aspects of death, we must understand this verse in that light. Man is a three-part being, spirit, soul and body. 1 Thessalonians 5:23.

There is a spiritual death that has to do with man's spirit. There is a physical death that has to do with the body. There is a second death that has to do with both body and soul. Death in the Bible is always a separation.

• SPIRITUAL DEATH. Ephesians 2:1. You hath He quickened (made alive) who were DEAD in trespasses and sins. Before they being saved they were spiritually separated from God. "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God" Isaiah 59:2 Adam was told that the very day he ate of the tree he would die. He did, spiritually.
  
  
• PHYSICAL DEATH. This we are most familiar with. It is the separation of the soul from the body. Genesis 35:18 "As her soul was in departing (for she died)"
  
  
• SECOND DEATH. Revelation 20:14 This is called the "second death" because it follows physical death and resurrection. A person does not die spiritually. We are born dead to God. Psalms 58:3.

So the first death we die is physical, then follows the second death after the resurrection. This Jesus spoke of in Matthew 10:28, "Fear not him that...can kill the body, but not the soul, but...fear Him that can destroy both body and soul in hell." This is when both body and soul is cast into hell.

These three deaths are all in view in Romans 6:23. Why not trust the Saviour and not die this awful death.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

Return to Salvation Questions Main Page

Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen