Featured The Sovereignty of God is Absolute

When Paul uses the word "dead" in Ephesians 2, surely it is clear that he means "spiritually dead.'
When one is physically dead, one cannot respond to any spiritual stimuli. The word for those who can respond to physical stimuli is "alive."
When one is spiritually dead, one cannot respond to spiritual stimuli, such as Gospel preaching. If one can respond, one is actually spiritually alive. So spiritually dead people need to be made alive before they can respond.

Even Long John Silver's parrot knew this. "Dead men don't bite!" He would squawk. He was right; they don't. Nor do they hear, repent or believe. Why not? Because they are dead.

Lord, I was blind! I could not see
In Thy marred image any grace;
But now, the beauty of Thy face
n radiant visions dawns on me.

Lord, I was deaf! I could not hear
The thrilling music of Thy voce.
But now I hear Thee and rejoice,
And all Thine uttered words are dear.

Lord, I was dumb! I could not speak
The grace and glory of Thy name.
But now, as touched with living flame,
My lips thine eager praises wake.

Lord, I was dead! I could not stir
My lifeless soul to come to Thee.
But now, since Thou has quickened me,
I rise from death's dark sepulchre.

Lord, Thou hast made the blind to see;
The deaf to hear, the dumb to speak,
The dead to live; and lo, I break
The chains of my captivity.

William Tidd Mason, 1833-99.