Mortality and Life
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Mortality

Mortality, the state of being subject to death, is a fundamental aspect of human existence as presented in the Bible. The concept of mortality is introduced early in the Scriptures, with the creation of man and the subsequent fall. 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 conditional nature of human immortality, contingent upon obedience to God.

The fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, marks the entrance of sin into the world and the consequent reality 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, affecting all of humanity.

Throughout the Old Testament, the brevity and frailty of human life are frequently acknowledged. Psalm 90:10 reflects on this reality: "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." The transient nature of life serves as a reminder of human dependence on God and the need for divine wisdom and guidance.

The New Testament continues to address the theme of mortality, emphasizing the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, Paul writes, "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 contrasts the mortality inherited from Adam with the promise of life through Christ.

Life

In the biblical narrative, life is portrayed as a gift from God, characterized by both physical existence and spiritual vitality. The creation account in Genesis 2:7 describes the divine origin of life: "Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." This act of creation signifies the unique relationship between God and humanity, with life being sustained by God's breath.

The concept of life extends beyond mere physical existence to encompass spiritual life, which is found in a relationship with God. In Deuteronomy 30:19-20, Moses exhorts the Israelites, "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, and that you may love the LORD your God, obey His voice, and hold fast to Him." Here, life is associated with obedience and devotion to God.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the source of eternal life. John 10:10 records Jesus' words, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." This abundant life is not limited to the present age but extends into eternity, as affirmed 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."

The resurrection of Jesus is central to the Christian understanding of life, offering hope beyond mortality. 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 of eternal life is a cornerstone of Christian faith, providing assurance of victory over death.

In summary, the Bible presents mortality as a consequence of sin and life as a divine gift, with the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. The Scriptures call believers to live in obedience to God, embracing the abundant life offered through faith in Christ.
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Mortality

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Mortality and Legacy
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