The term spirit
is a reference to the Holy Spirit (see also the discussion on 1 Peter 3:18). Those renewed by the Spirit do not ultimately die but live with the Lord (John 11:26). Death does not absolve them from God’s judgment but in that judgment they are received into glory; they live…the way God does.
Though maligned in this life, they are vindicated in the life to come.
6 For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.