Mortality

Mortality refers to the state of being subject to death, a condition that affects all living creatures, particularly human beings. The Bible presents mortality as a consequence of sin, beginning with the disobedience of Adam and Eve 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 physical and spiritual, introducing mortality into the human experience.

The Apostle Paul elaborates on this in Romans 5:12 , stating, "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." Mortality, therefore, is intrinsically linked to the fallen nature of humanity. Ecclesiastes 3:2 acknowledges the inevitability of death, "a time to be born and a time to die," underscoring the transient nature of human life.

The Bible also addresses the brevity of life, as seen in James 4:14 , "You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This perspective encourages believers to live with an eternal mindset, recognizing the temporary nature of earthly existence. Psalm 90:12 offers a prayerful response, "So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom."

Divine Sovereignty

Divine sovereignty refers to God's supreme power and authority over all creation. The Bible affirms that God is the ultimate ruler, orchestrating the events of the universe according to His will and purpose. Psalm 103:19 declares, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all." This sovereignty extends over life and death, as God alone determines the span of human life.

In Isaiah 46:10 , God proclaims, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.'" This passage highlights God's omniscience and omnipotence, assuring believers that nothing occurs outside of His divine plan.

The New Testament reinforces this concept in Ephesians 1:11 , where Paul writes, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." This verse emphasizes that God's sovereignty encompasses all aspects of life, including the salvation of His people.

The interplay between mortality and divine sovereignty is evident in the biblical narrative. While human beings are subject to death, God's sovereign plan provides hope through the promise of eternal life. John 3:16 offers this assurance, "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." Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are granted victory over mortality, as expressed 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?'"

In summary, the Bible presents mortality as a consequence of sin, yet it is within the framework of divine sovereignty that believers find hope and assurance. God's ultimate authority and redemptive plan offer a pathway from death to eternal life through Jesus Christ.