Q: I agree with your view that all true Christians have passed over from death to life and do not come under condemnatory judgment. The word ‘judgment’ as used by Christ in John 3:17,18 is not referring to inspection, but referring to condemnation. Consequently, Jesus is saying that true Christians will not face destruction; and this view agrees with Romans 8:1. True Christians can confidently look forward to everlasting life. They can say, ‘I am saved.’ Of course, there is a chance true believers might lose their salvation through sinning against the spirit or willfully rejecting God. Hence, it would be wrong to think once saved, always saved. Nevertheless, the reality is that by our faith we are no longer under judgment (condemnation), but we will live forever. This is a beautiful provision from our Father. Unfortunately, the Watchtower Society seems to imply we must earn our salvation, although in print it does admit that we are in a ‘saved condition.’ (Watchtower 89 12/15 page 30 - What things are involved in getting “saved”?) I believe they avoid printing this with any regularity because brothers would wake up to the fact that they don’t have to do half the stuff the Society expects of them in order to be saved. (Eph. 2:8,9)

Now, to my question. It has to do with 1 Peter 4:6,7, and before going on I’d like to refer to a Watchtower study article that explains this scripture as I would. I will quote it here:

     21  Those who become Christians with a true belief were once among the spiritually dead people of the world. The apostle Paul reminded the congregation of this fact, saying: “It is you God made alive though you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you at one time walked according to the system of things of this world. . . . But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us, made us alive together with the Christ, even when we were dead in trespasses—by undeserved kindness you have been saved—and he raised us up together and seated us together in the heavenly places in union with Christ Jesus.”—Eph. 2:1, 2, 4-6.
     22  Thus because of their no longer walking in trespasses and sins against God, he lifted his condemnation from them since they had faith in Christ. He raised them up out of spiritual death and gave them hope of everlasting life in his coming new order.
     23  When Jesus was present as a man on earth, the Jews heard his voice directly. By giving heed to what he had to say they could get onto the way to everlasting life now. But after he died and was resurrected and he finally ascended back to heaven, they could hear the “voice of the Son of God” only indirectly. How? By hearing his teachings preached or by reading what he preached and taught. The apostle Peter had in mind such spiritually dead persons who heard the good news about Jesus by means of preachers, when Peter wrote: “These people will render an account to the one ready to judge those living and those dead. In fact, for this purpose the good news was declared also to the dead, that they might be judged as to the flesh from the standpoint of men but might live as to the spirit from the standpoint of God.”—1 Pet. 4:5, 6.
     24  By accepting the good news and walking according to it, they become spiritually alive from God’s standpoint. By means of his life-imparting spirit God raises them up out of their spiritually dead, condemned state and activates them to follow in the footsteps of the Son of man, Jesus Christ.
     25  Since they have been relieved of the condemnation, they do not “come into judgment” but become persons who have “passed over from death to life,” as Jesus previously said. (John 5:24) This transfer from deadness in trespasses and sins to spiritual life is described by the apostle John in these words: “Do not marvel, brothers, that the world hates you. We know we have passed over from death to life, because we love the brothers. He who does not love remains in death. Everyone who hates his brother is a manslayer, and you know that no manslayer has everlasting life remaining in him.” That his Christian brothers might continue to prove worthy of everlasting life in God’s new order of things, John adds: “Little children, let us love, neither in word nor with the tongue, but in deed and truth.”—1 John 3:13-15, 18. (w64 12/1 pp. 716-717 pars. 21-25 Passing Over from Death to Life)

The above quote helps us to understand the meaning of Peter’s statement: “These people will render an account to the one ready to judge those living and those dead.” (1 Peter 4:6,7) According to the Watchtower quotation, Peter is referring to people who are spiritually alive and spiritually dead in this verse. He is not referring to literal life and death, but to spiritual life and death. Consequently, based on the Watchtower’s explanation, we might paraphrase Peter’s words as follows: ‘These people will render an account to the one ready to judge those spiritually living and those spiritually dead.’

Please notice that Peter, according to the above paraphrase, says that God is ‘ready to judge those who are spiritually living’. Now, here lies the apparent contradiction. We’ve already established that God does not judge those who are spiritually alive, because the scriptures are clear that they have passed over from death to life and do not come under condemnation. Jesus explains that they do not come into condemnatory judgment. (John 3:18) So, Peter must mean something else when he uses the word ‘judge.’ He cannot mean ‘judge’ in the sense of condemnation, as that would be a contradiction. Rather, and as far as I can tell, he must be using ‘judge’ with regard to an inspection or an assessment of some kind, especially if this verse is to dovetail with the foregoing.

Paul says: “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God.” (Romans 14:10) Again, it appears that Christians undergo judgment. Paul’s words agree with Peter’s and once again we could deduce that Paul is referring to judgment in the sense of inspection, rather than condemnation. At this stage, I begin to ask questions: Is this judgment for the slaves only or for all Christians? Indeed, how can it be that all Christians face judgment-inspection since they’ve already been granted life and are free from condemnation? It would seem needless since they had passed over from death to life.
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A: How can we reconcile some seeming contradictions, as you are pointing out? If "all true Christians have passed over from death to life and do not come under condemnatory judgment," in harmony with what Jesus said, then how is it that Peter includes the "spiritually" alive among those who will be judged? Would that not contradict what Jesus said? (John 3:18; 5:24)

First of all, let’s take the “spiritual” and “spiritually” out of the equation of “judgment,” that the Watchtower you quote from is so liberally using. They are among the “loose use of words,” as one Watchtower called them, that we are often so fond of when explaining the Scriptures. (wt52, 5/15, page 309). When we use a particular word, expression, or phrase that does not actually appear in the Bible then we often feel free to define it ourselves in whatever way we see fit, and head off in all sorts of different directions with our explanations, as is the case with “spiritual paradise,” “spiritual Israel,” “spiritually dead" or "spiritually alive," etc..

What exactly is meant by “spiritual”? For example: what is a spiritual man? Please compare how it is used in the Bible with how it appears in our publications. Paul answers that spiritual persons are “those taught by the spirit, as we combine spiritual matters with spiritual words.” Does that mean that a man who does not receive “the things of the spirit of God” is “spiritually dead”? No! Nowhere in the Bible is that term used, although I'm sure Paul, and others, could have used it if that is what they wanted to say. Rather, such a person is a “physical man [who] does not receive the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually.” (1 Cor. 2:10-14) As Paul explains, the “spiritual” things pertain to the spirit of God, in contrast to the spirit of the world. (vs.11, 12) A physical man has fleshly desires, trusting in human “philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men.” He cannot receive the things of the spirit of God, because "the god of this world [Satan the Devil] has blinded the minds of the unbelieving." (Matt. 11:25; Gal. 5:16-21; Col. 2:8; 2 Cor. 4:4, NASB) Also compare the “works of the flesh” with the “fruitage of the spirit.” The works of the flesh does not describe things that are spiritually dead. They pertain to the things of this world. God's spirit is never "dead" in a person; it is simply missing, not there. (Gal. 5:19-24)

Here is what Insight on the Scriptures says, under the topic "Resurrection," regarding the “spiritually" dead:

"Those who have ‘passed over from death to life now’ would not be those who had literally died and were in actual graves. At the time when Jesus spoke, all mankind were under the condemnation of death before God the Judge of all. So the ones Jesus referred to were evidently persons on earth who had been dead in a spiritual sense. Jesus must have referred to such spiritually dead ones when he said to the Jewish son who wanted to go home first to bury his father: 'Keep following me, and let the dead bury their dead.' (Mt 8:21, 22) Those who become Christians with true belief were once among the spiritually dead people of the world. The apostle Paul reminded the congregation of this fact, saying: “It is you God made alive though you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you at one time walked according to the system of things of this world . . ."— it-2 pp. 790-791 Resurrection (Bold mine)

It is interesting to note that the above quote mentions that “all mankind were under the condemnation of death before God.” We might ask: What death is all mankind condemned to, a spiritual death or an actual physical death? Do we all die merely in a spiritual sense? Is that what happened to Adam? Maybe that is what Satan meant when he told Eve: “You positively will not die.” (Gen. 3:4)

When some disciples in the first Century “deviated from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already occurred; and [were] subverting the faith of some,” they had reduced the resurrection of a physically dead person—that Jesus and Paul had preached—to a “spiritual” resurrection, where a person has come to life only in a “spiritual” sense; for obviously, no formerly physically dead disciples had returned to life in a real resurrection, as was the case with those whom Jesus resurrected. (2 Tim. 2:18; John 5:26-29; Acts 24:15; 1 Cor. 15:12) It is much like what many churches of Christendom teach today regarding God’s kingdom being a “spiritual” kingdom (like our spiritual paradise), a kingdom, or power for good, merely in the heart of the believer; instead of an actual kingdom or government with real authority, with a real king and associate rulers, that will soon replace all real worldly governments. (Dan. 2:44; 7:13,14, 18, 27)

Why are the expressions “spiritually dead” and “spiritually alive” not found in the Bible? Does it even matter? Is this not mere semantics or just a debating about words that the apostle Paul discourages? (1 Tim. 6:3,4) It is much more serious than that, for it has to do with not adding or taking away from God’s Word; and not going beyond the things that are written. By it we can actually confuse or becloud, or even contradict, what Jehovah is really teaching us. (Prov. 30:6; Isai. 48:17-19; 1 Cor. 4:6)

Scripturally, being “dead” or “alive” does not refer to one’s spiritual state or condition, but rather describes a person's standing with God. Thus, when Paul wrote his letter to the Ephesian congregation and said, “it is you God made alive though you were dead in your trespasses and sins,” he was not telling them that they were once spiritually dead but had now come alive spiritually. Then what did he mean? He reminded them that they “at one time walked according to the system of things of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience. Yes, among them we all at one time conducted ourselves in harmony with the desires of our flesh, doing the things willed by the flesh and the thoughts, and we were naturally children of wrath even as the rest.” Yes, the Ephesians, as “sons of disobedience,” had been “without Christ” and “had no hope and were without God in the world,” and thus had no inherent right to life. (Eph. 2:1-12)

As Adam’s offspring all of us are born estranged from God, with no right to life as our inheritance. We are born, not merely “spiritually” dead from God’s standpoint, but, quite literally, we are born to die. That explains the need for the ransom provided by Jesus Christ, as Paul explains: “For just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:22) We come alive, literally—receiving the right to life—when we turn to God and accept Jesus and the ransom he paid for us. “For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23) At the moment of our baptism for forgiveness of our sins, we have our names written in the “book of life.” (Mal. 3:16; Acts 22:16; Rev. 3:5; 21:27) On the other hand, everyone who refuses to avail himself of God’s provision for life continues to be dead, being without God and Christ, and without hope. That is what Jesus meant when he told the man, “let the dead bury their dead;” and the father of the prodigal son, “your brother was dead and came to life, and he was lost and was found”; the father in the parable symbolizing Jehovah. (Matt. 8:21,22; Luke 15:32)

Excuse my explaining all this with so many words, because I am aware that you already know and understand all these things and don’t need for me to review it. I am merely trying to establish the fact that when the Bible speaks of those who are “dead” it is referring either to those who have already died (they are physically dead and buried), or to those who are living but are "dead" from Jehovah’s standpoint, because they are "without Christ," and have "no hope and [are] without God in the world." (Eph. 2:12) They are not merely “spiritually” dead, or become “spiritually” alive. That is what Jesus meant when he said of Jehovah, regarding his faithful servants who had lived in the past, that "he is a God, not of the dead, but of the living, for they are all living to him.” Yes, they are merely asleep in death and will be certain to return to life in the real physical resurrection. (Luke 20:38)

Understanding these basic facts will also help us get the sense of what Peter stated in 1 Peter 4:5, 6: “But these people will render an account to the one ready to judge those living and those dead. In fact, for this purpose the good news was declared also to the dead, that they might be judged as to the flesh from the standpoint of men but might live as to the spirit from the standpoint of God.”

In what sense are “those living and those dead” judged? The good news has been declared to the ones who are “dead” from "the standpoint of God." They are in the world, doing what the world does, not submitting to God’s righteousness, and thus they are without God and Christ, as was the case with the Ephesians. But when they hear, accept, and respond to the good news about Jesus, they come to God, literally, for upon their baptism they become members of God’s household, and they receive the free gift of God’s holy spirit. (Acts 2:38; Eph. 2:19-22) Also, their names are entered in the book of life. (Mal. 3:16) They pass over from “death to life” quite literally. (1 John 3:14)

But it is also possible for one, who, after having thus become alive, to fall away again. His name could then be removed from “the book of the living ones.” (Ex. 32:32,33; Ps. 69:28; Rev. 20:15) As Paul warns: “For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left, but [there is] a certain fearful expectation of judgment and [there is] a fiery jealousy that is going to consume those in opposition. Any man that has disregarded the law of Moses dies without compassion, upon the testimony of two or three. Of how much more severe a punishment, do you think, will the man be counted worthy who has trampled upon the Son of God and who has esteemed as of ordinary value the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and who has outraged the spirit of undeserved kindness with contempt?” (Heb. 10:26-29; also 2 Peter 2:20-22)

In this way the “living” within God’s house, those who had been sanctified at one time by the blood of the covenant, will also be judged as Jesus foretold regarding the last days: “The harvest is a conclusion of a system of things, and the reapers are angels. Therefore, just as the weeds are collected and burned with fire, so it will be in the conclusion of the system of things. The Son of man will send forth his angels, and they will collect out from his kingdom all things that cause stumbling and persons who are doing lawlessness, and they will pitch them into the fiery furnace. There is where [their] weeping and the gnashing of [their] teeth will be. At that time the righteous ones will shine as brightly as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Let him that has ears listen.” (Matt. 13:39-43) The apostle Peter likewise foretold the judgment of God’s house with the removal of all sinners and ungodly men from within it. (1 Peter 4:17,18; also Jer. 5:26; Ezek. 13:9,10)
 
To help us understand this further, consider what Jesus wrote in his letter to the Sardis congregation: “I know your deeds, that you have the name that you are alive, but you are dead. Become watchful, and strengthen the things remaining that were ready to die, for I have not found your deeds fully performed before my God.” (Rev. 3:1,2)

Yes, although a person within God’s household may have “the name that he is alive,” he may at the same time find himself in danger of becoming “dead” to God if he were to return to "the elementary things of this world." (Col. 2:8) According to what Jesus wrote to five of the seven congregations in Asia Minor, a person is not “once saved always saved.” (Gal. 4:3, 8,9; compare Rev. 2:4,5; 14-16; 20-22; 3:2,3; 15-18) Although we cannot earn our salvation, as Paul explains in his letter to the Romans, yet, at the same time, our faith in Jesus Christ includes certain obligations and “deeds.” That is why Jesus wrote, “I am he who searches the kidneys and hearts, and I will give to you individually according to your deeds.” (Rom. 4:2-5; Rev. 2:23) Yes, there is an inspection, but that is not what the judgment refers to. Judgment follows the inspection, and it is our individual responsibility to show where we stand in this regard, whether we are alive or dead to God, sheep or goat. (Isa. 3:13,14; Luke 19:44; Matt. 25:31-46) That is what Paul had in mind when he wrote: “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of God,” for in the following verse he explains: "So, then, each of us will render an account for himself to God." (Romans 14:10, 12)

The judgment, that is, the destruction of all ungodly people, whether in the world or within God’s house, was determined by Jehovah long ago, immediately after the rebellion in Eden. (Gen. 3:15; Jude 14, 15) At the same time he also promised to redeem all “the righteous ones” of Adam’s offspring, and restore to them the right to everlasting life that Adam had lost for all of us. Jehovah does not need to ponder whether or not he will actually carry this out. It is his sure promise, his guarantee, and he will bring it about. (Joshua 23:14; Isaiah 46:8-10)

Since there is no neutrality, nor partiality, and since God’s requirements are not veiled but clearly made known to us, Jehovah knows the ones who are worthy of receiving everlasting life. We are either alive or dead to him, not in a spiritual sense but in actuality. The righteous ones are all of them alive from God's standpoint, for their names are written in his “book of life.” "Jehovah knows those who belong to him." (2 Tim. 2:19) He will carry out and execute his foretold judgment upon all whose names are missing from the book of life. (compare Ezekiel 9:4-6) He has promised that “the righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it;” whereas “transgressors themselves will certainly be annihilated together; the future of wicked people will indeed be cut off.” (Psalms 37:29, 38) That is what Jesus meant when he said: "God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son." (John 3:17,18, NLT) This also helps us to understand what the apostle Peter meant at 1 Peter 4:5, 6. He was merely adding further detail to what Jesus had said.




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