God brings dead things to life by two means — His word and His Spirit. Both are required. The word provides structure. The Spirit provides life. Together — and only together — they produce what neither can produce alone.
| Scale | Form / Structure | Breath / Life | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creation | God forms man from dust | God breathes into him | Man becomes a living being |
| Restoration | Ezekiel speaks to bones | Breath enters from four winds | The dead stand |
| New Birth | Born of water (obedient response to the word) | Born of the Spirit | Enters the kingdom |
| Conversion | Word preached, hearers baptized | Gift of Holy Spirit received | New life |
| Worship | Truth (John 17:17) | Spirit | True worshipers |
| Church Born | Word preached (Acts 2) | Spirit falls (rushing wind) | 3,000 come to life |
| Death | Word absent (Prov 29:18) | Spirit withdrawn (Ps 104:29) | Dry bones |