Journal: Conservative Theological Journal
Volume: CTJ 09:27 (Aug 2005)
Article: Dead in Trespasses and Sins: Ephesians 2:1, 5
Author: Mal Couch

CTJ 9:27 (August 2005) p. 225

Dead in Trespasses and Sins:
Ephesians 2:1, 5

Mal Couch

Founder and Editor
The Conservative Theological Journal

Abstract

What exactly do we mean when we say man has “fallen”? Is he now completely incapable of understanding any spiritual truth? Theologians have debated and discussed these questions for centuries. One of the pivotal passages in this matter is Ephesians 2. This article seeks to answer the question, in what sense is Paul using the word “dead”?

Introduction

As Evangelicals move further away from the solid study of the Word of God, there will come about an accelerated slippage away from the crucial doctrines of Christianity. This is presently taking place in our own camp with those who are now denying the doctrine of Total Depravity, including the fact that lost humanity is “dead in trespasses and sins” (Eph. 2:1, 5). Modern humanism coming into our Evangelical circles wants to soften this vital truth. Many of our present day theologians attended what were at one time good seminaries. But those schools have now shifted!

They are now replacing this doctrine of Depravity with warmed over old line Pelagianism and Arminianism that says, man can to some degree cooperate and help God out in the salvation process. In the history of theology, when God’s sovereignty is emphasized and taught, the greatness of God goes up, and the truth of the depravity and lostness of humanity becomes more certain. When the Lord is dethroned, His omnipotence and sovereignty is lowered and the spiritual ability and moral “goodness” of humanity is elevated.

We are now into such a theological freefall brought on by the death of solid, spiritual, and Evangelical scholarship that is repudiating such doctrines as the spiritual deadness of mankind.

In this study we will look at:

• A Brief History of the Doctrine of Original Sin
• “Dying you shall die!” (Gen. 2:17; 3:3)

CTJ 9:27 (August 2005) p. 226

• Exegesis of Ephesians 2:1–8
• Parallel Expressions for “Dead in Sins”
• Theological Implications for “Dead in Sins”
• Conclusions

A Brief History of the Doctrine of Original Sin

Augustine (354–430) was born in Thagaste, North Africa. He lived a very immoral life until he became a believer around 386. He studied under the great Milan bishop Ambro...