Mortal Man
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Definition and Nature:
Mortal man refers to human beings in their earthly, finite state, characterized by a limited lifespan and susceptibility to death. The concept of mortality is central to the biblical understanding of humanity, emphasizing the transient nature of human life in contrast to the eternal nature of God.

Creation and Fall:
According to the Bible, man was created by God from the dust of the ground and given the breath of life, becoming a living being (Genesis 2:7). Initially, man was created in the image of God, endowed with the capacity for relationship with the Creator and dominion over creation (Genesis 1:26-28). However, through the disobedience of Adam and Eve, sin entered the world, and with it, death became a reality for all mankind (Genesis 3:19). The Apostle Paul reiterates this in Romans 5:12 : "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 Nature of Mortality:
The Bible frequently reflects on the brevity and frailty of human life. In Psalm 90:10 , Moses laments, "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." Similarly, James 4:14 describes life as "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes."

The Hope of Redemption:
Despite the reality of mortality, the Bible offers hope through the promise of redemption and eternal life. Jesus Christ, through His death and resurrection, conquered death and offers eternal life to all who believe in Him. In John 11:25-26 , Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die." This promise is further affirmed in 1 Corinthians 15:22 : "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."

The Call to Wisdom and Righteousness:
The awareness of mortality serves as a call to live wisely and righteously. The psalmist prays in Psalm 90:12 , "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." The brevity of life is a reminder to seek God's will and live in accordance with His commandments, as emphasized in Ecclesiastes 12:13 : "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man."

Eternal Perspective:
While mortal man is subject to the limitations of earthly life, the Bible encourages believers to maintain an eternal perspective. In 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 , Paul writes, "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."

Conclusion:
The concept of mortal man in the Bible underscores the transient nature of human life and the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. It calls believers to live with wisdom, righteousness, and an eternal perspective, trusting in God's promises and the redemption offered through His Son.
Mortal Body
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