Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  6000 Sin and salvation  »  6100 Aspects of sin  »  6142 decay

As a consequence of the fall, all created things have a tendency to waste away and spoil. Jesus Christ brings deliverance from this.

Decay was decreed as a result of the fall

In human beings

Genesis 2:17

In the world

Genesis 3:17-19 See also Romans 8:20

Decay is the common experience of humanity

Psalm 90:3-10 See also Psalm 49:8-9

A decaying world is not worth clinging to

Matthew 6:19-20 See also Psalm 102:26; Luke 12:33; 1 John 2:15-17

Jesus Christ is free from decay

Acts 2:24-31 See also Psalm 16:8-11; Acts 13:34-37; Hebrews 7:26; Hebrews 13:8

Believers are redeemed from decay

2 Corinthians 4:16 See also Job 19:26; John 3:16

Christians are “salt” in a decaying world

Matthew 5:13 See also Mark 9:50; Luke 14:34

The world to come is free from decay

1 Peter 1:3-5 See also Romans 8:21; 1 Corinthians 15:42; Hebrews 12:28; Hebrews 13:14; Revelation 21:4

Examples of the link between sin and decay

Leviticus 26:14-16,39

The curse on the unfaithful wife:

Numbers 5:20-22,27

Curses for disobedience:

Deuteronomy 28:22; Deuteronomy 32:24 Job 18:13; Psalm 32:3; Psalm 49:13-14; Psalm 106:15,43; Psalm 112:10; Isaiah 5:24; Isaiah 10:16; Isaiah 17:4; Isaiah 24:16; Isaiah 64:7; Jeremiah 49:7

The destruction of Jerusalem lamented:

Lamentations 2:6,8 Ezekiel 4:17; Ezekiel 24:23; Ezekiel 33:10

Punishment for Israel's sin:

Hosea 4:3; Hosea 8:10 Habakkuk 3:16; James 5:2

See also

5482  punishment
5979  waste
6130  corruption
6154  fall, the
6199  imperfection
6644  eternal life
6720  redemption
9020  death
9310  resurrection
9410  heaven