The Quick and the Dead
© 06-12 Colin Melbourne
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 Bible.
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 KJV
Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 1 Pe. 4:5 KJV
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 KJV
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 KJV
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 KJV
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.
<< "If it's in the Book we must have it in operation!" Smith operated in all the Gifts of the Holy Spirit, and was always hungry for God to use him.
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?
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Co. 5:17 KJV
Not passing away... Are passed away.
When you respond to the Gospel by repentance and faith in Christ He will instantly make you a new being, possessing His righteousness.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: Ro. 3:21-22a KJV
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.
But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. Ro. 8:11 KJV
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.
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Eph. 2:1 KJV
It is easy to tell if you are still dead in trespasses and sins, 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 yet sinners, Christ died for us. Ro. 5:8b KJV
God promises:
through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. Ac. 10:43b KJV
Do you want God to remit, 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.
Who is the Great Harlot written about in the Bible?
