Mortality, the state of being subject to death, is a fundamental aspect of human existence as presented in the Bible. From the creation narrative to the eschatological promises, Scripture addresses the reality of human mortality and the end of life, offering both a sobering reminder of life's brevity and a hopeful anticipation of eternal life through faith.

The Origin of Mortality

The concept of mortality is introduced in the early chapters of Genesis. God created man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him (Genesis 2:7). However, with the fall of man through Adam and Eve's disobedience, death entered the world as a consequence of sin. Genesis 3:19 states, "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it you were taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return." This pronouncement underscores the inevitability of physical death as a result of the Fall.

The Universality of Death

The Bible consistently affirms the universality of death. Ecclesiastes 3:2 acknowledges that there is "a time to be born and a time to die," reflecting the natural order of life. 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." This passage highlights the theological understanding that death is a consequence of sin affecting all humanity.

The Brevity of Life

Scripture often emphasizes the fleeting nature of human life. Psalm 90:10 observes, "The length of our days is seventy years—or eighty if we are strong—yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away." James 4:14 further illustrates this by comparing life to "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." These passages serve as reminders of life's transience and the importance of living with an eternal perspective.

Hope Beyond Death

Despite the reality of mortality, the Bible offers hope beyond death through the promise of resurrection and eternal life. Jesus Christ's victory over death is central to Christian belief. 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 assurance is echoed in 1 Corinthians 15:54-55, where Paul proclaims, "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.'"

The End of Life and Judgment

The Bible teaches that after death comes judgment. Hebrews 9:27 states, "Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment." This underscores the belief in accountability before God. Revelation 20:12-15 describes the final judgment, where the dead are judged according to their deeds, and those not found in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire. This eschatological vision serves as a warning and a call to repentance and faith in Christ.

Living in Light of Mortality

The awareness of mortality encourages believers to live wisely and purposefully. Psalm 90:12 petitions, "So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom." The Apostle Paul advises in Ephesians 5:15-16, "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil." These exhortations emphasize the importance of living a life that honors God and reflects His eternal values.

In summary, the Bible presents mortality as a consequence of sin, a universal human experience, and a call to live with an eternal perspective. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers find hope in the promise of resurrection and eternal life, transforming the end of life from a finality to a transition into the presence of God.