People are dead in their trespasses and sins, rendered as good as dead by the accumulated guilt that stands against them with no way of escape. Sin places every person under the sentence of death, as the wages of sin is death, and the carnal mind produces only death. This condition makes humanity perpetually at war with God, enemies in mind by wicked works, unable to subject itself to His law or seek Him rightly. The record of requirements stands as a perpetual accusation, mounting sin upon sin until the burden becomes overwhelming and people grow numb, sinning without restraint. This state of being dead in sin eliminates any possibility of peace with God, with others, or within oneself. The iniquities separate people from God, hide His face, and render peace impossible, for the way of peace has never been known where sin reigns. Priests and prophets may cry "peace, peace," yet the underlying reality remains one of guilt, wrath, and destruction. Christ's voluntary sacrifice addresses this dead condition directly. Through His death He makes the dead alive together with Him, forgives all trespasses, wipes out the handwriting of requirements that stood against them, and nails it to the cross. By this substitutionary atonement the guilt is removed, the chasm of sin is bridged, and reconciliation with the Father occurs. Justification by faith then grants peace with God, creating the environment in which those once dead can grow in righteousness. Only those called, converted, and given the Spirit have access to this peace, which must be sought and maintained so that the abundant life promised by Christ becomes possible.