January 27

And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, — Eph 2:1 BSB

“Death in sin” is a metaphor, referring to moral death. This means the complete absence of anything holy, heavenly, spiritual, or divine—the lack of any participation in or conformity to the life that God lives in His holiness, purity, wisdom, and goodness. To be dead in sin means to have no connection with God, no knowledge of Him, no faith, no trust, no hope in Him. It means having no sense of His presence, no reverence for His majesty, no desire for Him, no inclination toward Him. There’s no trembling at His word, no reliance on His promises, no longing for His grace, and no concern for His glory.

A person in this state is like an animal, driven by lust and base desires, with no thought for the consequences. Such a person is intent on pursuing their own selfish purposes as if they created themselves and are their own judge, lord, and god. What a terrible state to be dead in sin, unaware of it, insensitive to its danger and its inevitable end—unless they are delivered by a mighty act of God’s sovereign power! This lack of awareness and feeling is what makes the death of the soul so tragic and is the precursor to the second death that stretches into eternity.