Human mortality and sinfulness are central themes in the biblical narrative, reflecting the human condition and the need for divine redemption. The Bible presents these concepts as intertwined, with sin being the root cause of death and mortality.

Origin of Sin and Mortality

The origin of human sinfulness is traced back to the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. In Genesis 2:17, God commands 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 command underscores the direct link between sin and death. When Adam and Eve transgressed this command, sin entered the world, and with it, death became a reality for all humanity. 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."

The Universality of Sin

The Bible affirms the universality of sin, asserting that all humans are inherently sinful. Ecclesiastes 7:20 declares, "Surely there is no righteous man on earth who does good and never sins." This inherent sinfulness is further emphasized in Romans 3:23, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." The pervasive nature of sin affects every aspect of human life, leading to spiritual and physical death.

Consequences of Sin

The consequences of sin are both immediate and eternal. In the immediate sense, sin results in spiritual separation from God, as seen in Isaiah 59:2, "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." This separation is the essence of spiritual death. Furthermore, physical death is a direct consequence of sin, as articulated in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death."

Human Mortality

Human mortality is a constant reminder of the fallen state of humanity. The brevity and frailty of human life are highlighted in Psalm 90:10, "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 acknowledgment of life's transience points to the need for divine intervention and redemption.

Hope Amidst Mortality and Sinfulness

Despite the grim reality of sin and mortality, the Bible offers hope through the promise of redemption. The sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ provide a means of reconciliation with God and victory over death. In 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, it is written, "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 hope is further encapsulated in John 3:16, "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."

In summary, human mortality and sinfulness are foundational to understanding the human predicament and the necessity of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Bible presents a comprehensive narrative that addresses the origin, consequences, and ultimate redemption from sin and death.