In the Bible, “quickened” refers to being made alive or revived, particularly in a spiritual sense; for example, in Ephesians 2:1, it states that God has “quickened” believers who were once dead in trespasses and sins. This term often signifies the act of God imparting spiritual life to individuals through faith in Christ.
Scripture
10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Meaning of “Quickened” in the Bible
The concept of being “quickened” in the Bible encompasses a profound spiritual transformation where an individual moves from a state of spiritual death to one of life in Christ. Ephesians 2:1-5 vividly illustrates this transition, emphasizing that believers were once “dead in trespasses and sins,” but are made alive (or “quickened”) through God’s grace and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. This act of quickening signifies not only a restoration of spiritual vitality but also the beginning of a new identity in the realm of God’s kingdom. The broader implication is that through faith, believers are equipped to live in accordance with God’s purposes, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
This idea of quickening resonates throughout the New Testament, highlighting the transformative power of faith. Romans 8:11 further reinforces this theme, stating that the Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead also dwells in believers, giving life to their mortal bodies. Outside of the direct context of salvation, the term emphasizes God’s ongoing role in revitalizing the weary and the broken. In this light, quickening serves as a continuous process of regeneration and empowerment for believers, inspiring them to pursue holiness and reflect Christ’s love in their daily lives. Thus, the notion of being quickened encompasses both an initial awakening to spiritual life and an ongoing journey of growth and renewal in faith.
The theme of being “quickened” can also be observed in the Psalms, where the psalmist frequently cries out for divine restoration and life. For instance, passages such as Psalm 119:25 emphasize the need for God’s intervention to revive the soul, linking quickening to a heartfelt plea for spiritual awakening and insight. This correlation between quickening and receiving life from God suggests that spiritual vitality is not only a one-time event but rather a continual need throughout a believer’s life. The act of being quickened highlights a deep reliance on God’s power to renew understandings and provide support during times of despair.
Moreover, in the context of the Christian eschatological hope, quickening indicates the future resurrection of the dead. The promise of being resurrected and receiving glorified bodies reflects the ultimate act of divine quickening when believers will be fully brought to life, freed from sin and death. This eschatological viewpoint enriches the understanding of quickening, illustrating not just the present reality of living in Christ but also the future culmination of that life. Therefore, this dual aspect of quickening—spiritual renewal now and the assurance of resurrection later—underscores a holistic view of salvation and the transformative work of God in the lives of believers across time and eternity.
Spiritual Awakening and Regeneration
In the biblical context, “quickened” often refers to the process of spiritual awakening or regeneration. This signifies a transformation where an individual moves from a state of spiritual death to one of spiritual life. It emphasizes the idea that through divine intervention, a person is made alive in their faith, experiencing a renewed relationship with God. This awakening is not merely an intellectual understanding but a profound change in the heart and spirit, leading to a life that reflects the teachings and love of Christ.
Resurrection and Eternal Life
Another significant meaning of “quickened” relates to the concept of resurrection and the promise of eternal life. In this sense, it denotes the act of being raised from the dead, both in a physical and spiritual sense. The term encapsulates the hope that believers have in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which assures them of their own future resurrection. This aspect of being “quickened” highlights the victory over sin and death, affirming the belief that through Christ, believers are granted eternal life and a restored existence with God.
Empowerment for Service
Additionally, “quickened” can signify empowerment for service and ministry. It reflects the idea that once individuals are made alive in Christ, they are also equipped and energized to fulfill their purpose in the world. This empowerment involves the Holy Spirit enabling believers to live out their faith actively, engage in good works, and share the message of the Gospel. The notion of being “quickened” in this context underscores the dynamic nature of faith, where believers are not only recipients of grace but also active participants in God’s mission.
How to Embrace Spiritual Awakening in Your Faith Journey
Embracing spiritual awakening in your faith journey is a deeply personal and transformative experience that invites you to open your heart and mind to the presence of God in your life. Start by cultivating a habit of prayer and meditation, allowing quiet moments to connect with the divine and reflect on your spiritual path. Dive into Scripture, not just as a text to be read, but as a living guide that speaks to your current struggles and joys. Surround yourself with a community of believers who inspire and challenge you, fostering an environment where you can share your doubts and discoveries. Remember, spiritual awakening is not a destination but a continuous journey; be patient with yourself and trust that God is working within you, revealing deeper truths and guiding you toward a more profound relationship with Him. Embrace the small moments of grace and the lessons learned in trials, for they are all part of your beautiful unfolding story in Christ.
Bible References to “Quickened” Meaning:
Ephesians 2:1-5: 1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins
2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—
3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.
4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,
5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
Colossians 2:12-13: 12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
1 Peter 3:18-19: 18 For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,
19 in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison,
John 5:21-23: 21 For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will.
22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,
23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.
1 Corinthians 15:45-49: 45 Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being”; the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
46 But it is not the spiritual that is first but the natural, and then the spiritual.
47 The first man was from the earth, a man of dust; the second man is from heaven.
48 As was the man of dust, so also are those who are of the dust, and as is the man of heaven, so also are those who are of heaven.
49 Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.
2 Corinthians 3:6-8: 6 who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
7 Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses’ face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end,
8 will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory?
Romans 4:17-19: 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”
19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb.
1 Timothy 6:13-14: 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,
14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Ephesians 2:4-6: 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us,
5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—
6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.