Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins

When each elect person is adopted at regeneration, he is buried into death (Romans 6:3, 4, 5, 7, Colossians 2:12, Galatians 3:27). The person, completely unaware that regeneration has taken place, continues living just as before (Galatians 4:1). Having been delivered from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13), the person is now willingly the servant of sin unto death (Romans 6:16) reaping his just reward (Romans 6:23).

When a person hears the truth, the gospel of his salvation, and believes in Christ, he receives the reward of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), which is the earnest of his inheritance (Ephesians 1:14), eternal life (Romans 6:23). Having been made free from sin (Romans 6:7) at regeneration, he has become a servant of righteousness (Romans 6:18).

Leviticus 26:3, 9, 11, 12 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them (conversion)… For I will have respect unto you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and establish my covenant with you… And I will set my tabernacle among you (referring to the Holy Spirit): and my soul shall not abhor you… And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people.


The Holy Spirit will only dwell among those who are living righteously, following after its guidance. A regenerate person, having not yet converted from his sin, is considered to be "dead in sin and trespass". He is in the same state as the righteous man who turns from righteousness back to iniquity. Paul repeatedly makes this argument in his epistles, and even more so in Romans.

Related passages:
Romans 8:11
Romans 8:13
Colossians 2:13
Ezekiel 18:24
Ephesians 4:18-19