From death to life



From Death to Life: The Power of Being Quickened with Christ

In our recent reflections on the transformative truths of the New Testament, we’ve explored the profound reality of regeneration—God’s act of giving us new life in Christ. Today, we turn our attention to a related and equally powerful concept found in the Greek word suzōopoieō (Strong’s G4806), translated as “quickened together with.” This word appears only twice in Scripture, yet it carries a weighty message about our passage from spiritual death to vibrant life in union with Jesus Christ.
The Meaning of Suzōopoieō
In Ephesians 2:5, we read, “Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved).” Similarly, Colossians 2:13 declares, “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.” The Greek term suzōopoieō literally means “to make alive together with.” It describes a divine act where God, in a single, definitive moment, imparts new spiritual life to those who were spiritually dead, uniting them with Christ’s resurrection power.
The verb’s aorist tense emphasizes that this “quickening” is a once-for-all event in the past. At the moment of salvation, the same infinite power that raised Jesus from the grave revives us, transforming us from death to life. As John 5:24 echoes, “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” This is the heart of the gospel—by grace, we are made alive with Christ!
A Progression of Identification
The beauty of suzōopoieō lies in its place within a wondrous progression of our identification with Christ. Scripture paints a vivid picture of our union with Him:
  • Crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6; Galatians 2:20): Our old self was put to death with Him on the cross.
  • Died with Christ (Romans 6:8; 2 Timothy 2:11): We share in His death, breaking the power of sin.
  • Buried with Christ (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12): We are united with Him in burial, signifying the end of our former life.
  • Quickened with Christ (Ephesians 2:5; Colossians 2:13): We are made alive together with Him, receiving new life through His resurrection.
This progression culminates in the truth of suzōopoieō—we are not merely restored but given a new, vibrant life in connection with Christ. As Romans 5:21 proclaims, “That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.” Grace triumphs, and we rejoice in the life we now have in association with our risen Savior.
Quickened vs. Raised Up
You might wonder how “quickened” differs from being “raised up” with Christ, as seen in Ephesians 2:6 and Colossians 2:12 (sunegeirō, G4891). While both terms describe our union with Christ’s resurrection, they carry distinct emphases:
  • Suzōopoieō (“quickened”) focuses on the impartation of new life. It highlights the moment of regeneration, where God makes us spiritually alive, moving us from death to life.
  • Sunegeirō (“raised up”) emphasizes our resurrection and exaltation with Christ, pointing to our new position—seated with Him in heavenly places—and the call to live out this reality (Colossians 3:1).
Together, these terms paint a fuller picture: we are first made alive (quickened), then raised up to walk in newness of life and share in Christ’s exalted status. The focus of suzōopoieō is the initial spark of life, the miracle of being born again (John 3:3; Titus 3:5).
Rejoicing in New Life
What a cause for celebration! The same power that raised Jesus from the dead has worked in us, giving us life where there was only death. We were once “dead in sins,” separated from God, but now we are alive in Christ, forgiven, and united with Him. This truth invites us to reflect on what we once were—lost, hopeless, enslaved to sin—and what we are now—alive, redeemed, and called to live for His glory.

As you meditate on the Scriptures cited above (Romans 6:4–8, Galatians 2:20, Colossians 2:12–13, and more), consider the magnitude of this transformation. How does the reality of being “quickened together with Christ” shape your daily walk? How does it inspire you to live in gratitude and obedience, knowing that grace has reigned in your life?
A Call to Reflection
Take time today to ponder the verses in this progression of identification with Christ. Reflect on the contrast between your former state and your current reality in Him. Let the truth of suzōopoieō sink deep into your heart: you have passed from death to life, and the same resurrection power that raised Christ now flows through you. Rejoice in this new life, and let it fuel your worship and witness for the One who made it possible.

“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

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