How do we know that only the living hear the gospel?

The distinction between the spiritually alive and the dead is essential in understanding who hears the gospel. Scripture makes it clear that none can believe or be taught unless they possess spiritual life. For instance, Hebrews 4:2 states that the gospel was preached to many, yet only those who had faith were profited by it. The idea is that spiritual life must precede the ability to respond to the gospel, indicating that the hearing of the gospel is a divine act of enabling for the living souls. Consequently, while the gospel is proclaimed widely, it is specifically aimed at those whom God has already made alive in Christ—showing that the message is both universal in its proclamation and particular in its application.