I don't fully concur with that perspective--at least, not the implication. I believe that those who are spiritually dead are not necessarily "beyond hope." (You didn't say this, but it is implied the way I read it.)
Yes, Jesus was speaking of living persons who were spiritually dead. And yes, I did have that text in mind, along with a number of others. A few of the other passages I may start a new thread on, as they are typically misunderstood among Adventists, and greatly misapplied among non-Adventists in general.
I don't understand what you mean by the term "soul sleep." Would you define that and how it compares in your mind with "spiritually dead?"
Blessings,
Green Cochoa.
We can receive of heaven's light only as we are willing to be emptied of self. We can discern the character of God, and accept Christ by faith, only as we consent to the bringing into captivity of every thought to the obedience of Christ. And to all who do this, the Holy Spirit is given without measure. In Christ "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him." [Colossians 2:9, 10.] {GW 57.1} -- Ellen White.
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