Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Origin Human mortality refers to the inevitability of physical death for all human beings. According to the Bible, mortality is a direct consequence of sin entering the world through Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden. Genesis 2:17 records God's warning to Adam, "but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die." This death was both spiritual and physical, marking the beginning of human mortality. The Fall and Its Consequences The fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, brought about a curse on creation, including the introduction of death. Romans 5:12 states, "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned." This passage highlights the universal nature of mortality as a result of sin. The Nature of Death Death in the Bible is often depicted as a separation. Physical death is the separation of the soul from the body, while spiritual death is the separation of the soul from God. Ecclesiastes 12:7 describes physical death: "Then the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it." Spiritual death is addressed in Ephesians 2:1 , "As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins." The Hope of Resurrection Despite the reality of human mortality, the Bible offers hope through the promise of resurrection. Jesus Christ's resurrection is central to this hope, as it signifies victory over death. 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 declares, "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." This passage underscores the belief that through faith in Christ, believers will experience resurrection and eternal life. Eternal Life and the New Creation The Bible promises that mortality will ultimately be overcome in the new creation. Revelation 21:4 provides a vision of this future: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This assurance of eternal life is a cornerstone of Christian hope, emphasizing the temporary nature of human mortality in light of God's eternal plan. Practical Implications Understanding human mortality encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective. Psalm 90:12 advises, "So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom." This verse calls for a recognition of life's brevity and the importance of living wisely and purposefully in accordance with God's will. Conclusion While human mortality is a fundamental aspect of the human condition, the Bible provides a framework for understanding its origin, nature, and ultimate resolution through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The promise of resurrection and eternal life offers hope and purpose, guiding believers to live in anticipation of the life to come. Subtopics The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being a Man of Sorrows The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Buffeted The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Nailed to the Cross The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Scourged The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Being Subject to Weariness The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Birth The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Burial The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Circumcision The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Conception in the Virgin's Womb The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Death The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Enduring Indignities The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Having a Human Soul The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Hungering The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Increase in Wisdom and Stature The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Partaking of Flesh and Blood The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Resurrection The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Side Being Pierced The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Sleeping The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Thirsting The Human Nature of Christ is Proved by His: Weeping The Human Nature of Christ was Like Our own in all Things Except Sin The Human Nature of Christ was Necessary to his Mediatorial office The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of Abraham The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of David The Human Nature of Christ was of the Seed of The Woman The Human Nature of Christ was Submitted to the Evidence of the Senses The Human Nature of Christ was Without Sin The Human Nature of Christ: Acknowledged by Men The Human Nature of Christ: Attested by Himself The Human Nature of Christ: Confession of, a Test of Belonging to God The Human Nature of Christ: Denied by Antichrist The Human Nature of Christ: Genealogy of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |