How Pastor Chris explains the biblical idea of dying to the old self and living a renewed, Spirit-led life.
Understanding what it means to be “dead” in a Christian context can feel abstract, especially for readers who are not familiar with theological language. In many of his teachings, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome explains that this concept has nothing to do with physical death. Instead, it describes a spiritual transformation: the end of the old nature and the beginning of a new life in Christ. His message focuses on how believers can move past old habits, fears, and limitations, stepping into a way of living shaped by purpose and faith.
This article explores how Pastor Chris teaches the subject, why it matters for Christians today, and how it connects to broader biblical ideas about the resurrection, identity, and daily life.
What “Dead to the Old Life” Actually Means
In many of his sermons, Pastor Chris uses the word dead to explain the separation between the believer and their former way of living. According to his teaching, becoming a Christian is not simply a change of beliefs—it is a complete transformation. The Bible often frames this through the language of death and resurrection; a pattern Christians are meant to identify with.
He often refers to scriptures like Romans 6:11, which instructs believers to “reckon yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God.” In his explanation, this doesn’t mean believers stop being human or stop facing challenges. Instead, it means the old nature—fear, weakness, guilt, and spiritual disconnect—loses its power.
For Pastor Chris, this idea is central to Christian identity. A person who is spiritually alive cannot be defined by who they used to be. In this sense, the word dead describes freedom, not loss.
A Biblical Foundation for the Teaching
Why resurrection is the heart of the message, according to Pastor Chris
The middle of the teaching returns again and again to the resurrection of Jesus. According to Pastor Chris, one cannot understand the concept of being “dead to the old life” without first understanding what happened when Christ rose from the dead. His explanation highlights several points:
- Jesus didn’t rise for His own sake.
He often says that Christ’s resurrection was for humanity—to bring people into a new life. - The believer shares in that resurrection.
He teaches that when someone accepts Christ, they become part of what Jesus accomplished. The “old man” dies, and a new identity emerges. - The resurrection created a legal and spiritual shift.
In his view, being spiritually dead refers to who we were before encountering Christ. Being spiritually alive reflects what Christ produced through His victory.
In several messages, he emphasizes that Jesus did not come simply to support human ambition or personal goals. Instead, He came to give people a new nature entirely. This perspective shapes the way Pastor Chris teaches about purpose and Christian discipline.
Pastor Chris on Why Identity Matters
Dead to the old life, alive to a new purpose
One of the most consistent parts of Pastor Chris’ teaching is his focus on identity. According to him, many believers struggle not because they lack faith, but because they do not truly understand who they are. In his words, “A Christian is not a slave to feelings. A Christian is not a slave to the body.”
This belief influences how he encourages people to deal with everyday problems. Instead of responding with fear or panic, he teaches that Christians should use the Word of God, speaking faith-filled words over their mind, health, and circumstances.
He often warns that waiting until problems arise to use faith is too late. The “old life,” he says, relies on emotions, excuses, and fear. The new life is proactive, rooted in confidence and spiritual awareness.
According to Pastor Chris, being “dead to the old life” requires:
- A deliberate mindset
- Daily awareness of spiritual identity
- Alignment with scripture
- Speaking faith rather than reacting emotionally
The transformation is not passive. It involves choices, discipline, and understanding.
Living as a “New Creation”
How Pastor Chris encourages believers to walk in their new identity every day
A recurring message from Pastor Chris is that Christianity is not about religious performance but about living from a new nature. When he teaches about being “dead,” it is never about physical death but about the death of former limitations.
He challenges believers to rise above excuses—such as using sickness or stress to escape responsibilities—as part of leaving the old life behind. He says these patterns weaken a person over time and prevent them from embracing the maturity expected in Christian living.
To him, spiritual growth means learning to:
- Stand firm in challenges
- Speak the Word with conviction
- Choose joy intentionally
- Reject the emotional habits of the past
- See oneself as God sees them
It’s a practical, daily application of theological ideas, not just a doctrinal discussion.
Why This Teaching Resonates Globally
How Pastor Chris communicates an ancient message to a modern audience
One reason Pastor Chris has gained international influence is his ability to translate complex biblical themes into everyday language. Many Christians know the phrase “born again,” but do not grasp the transformation implied in the scriptures. By connecting the message to daily habits, personal decisions, and identity, he makes the concept relatable.
This teaching also resonates with people who want purpose and direction. In a world where identity is often shaped by careers, circumstances, or social pressure, his message calls people to find their identity through faith rather than through external markers.
Who Is Pastor Chris? A Brief Background
The Nigerian pastor behind the global message
For readers unfamiliar with him, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is the founder of LoveWorld Incorporated, also known as Christ Embassy. Starting as a small campus fellowship in Nigeria, the ministry has grown into a global network with millions of followers across continents.
He is known for:
- His television ministry
- Healing Streams Live Services
- The Rhapsody of Realities devotional
- International conferences
- Soul-winning campaigns
- A digital media ecosystem connecting believers
While his ministry is faith-based, his communication style is often direct, practical, and motivational. His teaching on being “dead to the old life” reflects his broader message about identity, purpose, and spiritual discipline.
The Practical Meaning of Spiritual Death and Life
For Pastor Chris, the message is simple:
The old life ends so the new one can begin.
Being spiritually “dead” does not describe loss, it describes transformation. It is the believer’s break from old patterns and the start of a new way of living, shaped by purpose and conviction.
To him, this is not a symbolic idea but a real spiritual reality. The life of a Christian, he teaches, should reflect confidence, maturity, and faith, not confusion or fear. This teaching continues to shape thousands of messages, devotionals, and teachings in the LoveWorld community today.