The Quick and the Dead

Colin Melbourne

© 06-08 Born-Again-Christian.info

Tt's the ideal title for a gunslinger story, but where does the expression so frequently used in western novels and films come from?

Do Cowboys Read the Bible?

It is taken directly from God's Word, the Holy Bible, Authorised Version of 1611, the King James.

In fact it is found three times in the Bible;

I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. 2 Tim 4:1-2 KJV

And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. Ac. 10:42

Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 1 Pe. 4:5

What does it mean?

The words quick and dead have nothing to do with speed, or men killing each other. They are used to represent the two kinds of people on earth, the living and the dead. Meaning, alive to God by His Spirit, or dead, without His Spirit. Every person you see is one or the other.

Those born of God have His Spirit, those who are still in their sins are dead to God, and do not have His Spirit.

All of us are born of the flesh in sin, without God's Spirit. The spirit we are born with is man's fallen spirit, sinful to the core. Man's spirit is separated from God, condemned to Hell, eternally doomed.

Jesus said it first

That is why God came in The Flesh and told us we each need to be born again.

Jesus said,

Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Jn. 3:7

Without this experience we cannot enter God's Presence on earth, nor Heaven itself when we leave this world.

Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Jn. 3:3

Jesus emphasised this point,

Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. Jn. 3:5b

You can see this is a crucial matter.

When God comes from Heaven to tell us something, it is important. When He repeats it three times, you can be certain it is of vital eternal significance for us all.

Have you been born again?

Has God's Spirit come into your heart and made you alive to God. Have you been crucified with Christ, and raised to New Life in Him? Have you become a new creation through repenting and believing in Christ, or are you governed by the same sinful nature you were born with?

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Co. 5:17

Not going... Gone!

When you respond to the Gospel by repentance and faith in Christ He will instantly make you a new being, possessing His righteousness.

Now a righteousness from God apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. Ro. 3:21-22a NIV

His life will empower you, destroying the power of sin to condemn you, and giving you power over sin and all the devil's schemes.

You will walk with God your Creator in harmony and fellowship at peace with Him and yourself.

God's Spirit will drive sickness from every cell in your body, bringing eternal life to your mortal flesh.

If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Ro. 8:11

Raised from death to life

Examine your heart and your life now in the light of what God has said, and decide if you are quick or dead.

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... Eph. 2:1

It is easy to tell if you are still dead in sin, you will think and act like most people in the world. When you're born again, you'll walk with God and begin to think and respond like He does.

Those of you who are still dead in your sins can start your new life today if you are willing to humble yourself before God and accept Him as you Lord and Saviour.

Are you willing to repent of your wicked ways and follow the Lord Jesus Christ from now onwards?

You can't make yourself a Christian, you can't pay for your sins, all you can do is receive the Gift of life from God Himself by trusting in His merciful Sacrifice on your behalf.

The Bible declares:

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Ro. 5:8b

God promises:

Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name. Ac. 10:43b

Do you want God to wipe out all your sins and give you His life and power over sin?

Simply believe that Christ, Almighty God in the Flesh, took your place on the cross. That He died to pay your debt to God, and trust that He rose from the dead.

Then receive Him into your heart right now.

Click to be quick... and not dead