What does it mean to be alive, but dead?

on Oct 15, 2025

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: What does it mean to be alive, but dead? – A.D.

A: There’s a Scripture passage where Jesus told about a rich man who said, “Soul, take thine ease, eat, drink and be merry” (see Luke 12). The man thought he had many years, but God called him a fool. Many people think they have many years to live the good life, not realizing that there is an appointed day that each person is to meet God. For some, it will be this week. We never know – but God does. Do you know Him?

Think of Lazarus, whom God raised from the dead. When Lazarus was alive, he had an appetite. But when Lazarus was in the grave, he didn’t hunger – he was dead! When an unrepentant sinner is walking this earth, they are alive in body, they’re alive socially, but they’re dead spiritually. They have no appetite for reading and knowing the Word of God. There’s no love for the things of God. Oh yes, there may be those academically who study God’s Word, but they don’t “feed” on God’s Word by seeking His truth and His forgiveness. Have you been forgiven by Almighty God? You can, today!

Going to church doesn’t produce spiritual life. You don’t have to remain dead in trespasses and sin (see Ephesians 2). Churches are filled with the spiritually dead.

Lazarus was also bound while in the grave. Many today who are up walking around are spiritually bound; bound by habits – the lust of the flesh and the pride of life. All of this indicates spiritual deadness; the spirit is dead toward God.

There’s a program called The Walking Dead. What a description for being physically alive but spiritually dead. You don’t have to remain this way. You can be totally alive in every way by repenting of sin and saying, “Yes, Lord! I will follow You, and learn of You, and be what You want me to be.”

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)