The concept of human mortality is a central theme in the Bible, highlighting the transient nature of human life in contrast to the eternal nature of God. This contrast serves to underscore the limitations of human existence and the hope of eternal life through faith.

Human Mortality in Scripture

Human mortality is introduced early in the biblical narrative. In Genesis 3:19 , following the fall of man, God declares, "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it were you taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return." This pronouncement establishes the inevitability of death as a consequence of sin.

The brevity of human life is further emphasized in Psalm 90:10 , which states, "The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." This passage reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the struggles that accompany it.

Eternal Nature of God

In stark contrast to human mortality, the Bible presents God as eternal and unchanging. Psalm 90:2 declares, "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." This verse highlights God's existence beyond the confines of time and space.

Isaiah 40:28 further affirms God's eternal nature: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out." God's eternal nature is depicted as a source of strength and wisdom, contrasting with human frailty.

Hope of Eternal Life

The New Testament offers hope for overcoming human mortality through Jesus Christ. In John 3:16 , it is written, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This promise of eternal life through faith in Christ provides a solution to the problem of human mortality.

The Apostle Paul elaborates on this hope in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55 : "When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.' 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?'" Through Christ's resurrection, believers are assured of victory over death.

Living in Light of Eternity

The contrast between human mortality and divine eternity calls believers to live with an eternal perspective. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 , Paul encourages, "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

This perspective encourages Christians to focus on spiritual growth and eternal values, recognizing the temporary nature of earthly life in contrast to the eternal promises of God.