The concept of the mortality of man is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting the transient nature of human life and the inevitability of death. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, beginning with the account of creation and the fall of man, and extending to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.

Creation and the Fall

The mortality of man is first introduced in the Genesis account of creation. God formed 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. God declared to Adam, "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread, until you return to the ground, because out of it were you taken; for dust you are, and to dust you shall return" (Genesis 3:19). This pronouncement underscores the mortality of humanity, linking it directly to the sin of disobedience.

The Universality of Death

The Bible consistently affirms the universality of death. In Ecclesiastes, the Preacher reflects on the inevitability of death for all living beings: "For the living know that they will die, but the dead know nothing; they have no further reward, and even the memory of them is forgotten" (Ecclesiastes 9:5). The psalmist also acknowledges the brevity of life, stating, "As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more" (Psalm 103:15-16).

The Hope of Resurrection

Despite the certainty of death, the Bible offers hope through the promise of resurrection. The Old Testament contains glimpses of this hope, as seen in Job's declaration, "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth" (Job 19:25). The New Testament further develops this theme, with Jesus Christ's resurrection serving as the cornerstone of Christian hope. Jesus proclaimed, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25).

The apostle Paul elaborates on the resurrection in his letters, emphasizing that through Christ, death has been conquered. In 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, he 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 assurance of life beyond death provides comfort and encouragement to believers, affirming that mortality is not the end.

The Call to Wisdom and Righteousness

The awareness of human mortality serves as a call to wisdom and righteous living. The psalmist prays, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). This recognition of life's brevity encourages individuals to live purposefully and in accordance with God's will. The apostle Peter exhorts believers to live holy and godly lives, reminding them of the transient nature of the world: "Since everything will be dissolved in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness" (2 Peter 3:11).

Conclusion

The mortality of man is a profound biblical theme that underscores the fleeting nature of human life and the certainty of death. Yet, through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, believers are offered the hope of resurrection and eternal life. This hope transforms the understanding of mortality, encouraging a life of wisdom, righteousness, and faith in the promises of God.