The Bible has a great deal to say about mortality – the state of being subject to death. From the very beginning, the Bible establishes that death entered the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3). As a result, all human beings are under the curse of sin and mortality. The Bible makes it clear that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23) and that “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
However, the Bible also provides hope in the face of death. Jesus Christ came to redeem mankind from sin and break the power of death. Through his sacrificial death on the cross and glorious resurrection, Jesus conquered death and now offers the gift of eternal life to all who put their faith in him (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). The Bible assures believers that physical death is not the end – there is life beyond the grave for those who belong to Christ. As Paul declares, “Death is swallowed up in victory…Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:54-57).
Ultimately, the Bible presents death as an unavoidable reality in this fallen world, but not as something to be feared by those who know Christ. For believers, physical death leads to the glories of heaven and the promise of resurrection. While the process of dying may involve suffering, death has been defanged by Christ’s triumph over the grave. Christians can have hope and confidence in the face of death, knowing that our lives are in God’s hands and for those in Christ, “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).
Here are some key biblical teachings on mortality:
1. Death entered the world through human sin
According to Genesis 3, death was not part of God’s original perfect creation. Death entered the world only after Adam and Eve sinned by rebelling against God’s command. Their disobedience resulted in a curse of sin, suffering and mortality impacting all humanity (Genesis 3:19; Romans 5:12-14).
2. Death is universal
The Bible is clear that death comes to all human beings, regardless of circumstances, because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Hebrews 9:27 declares it is appointed for everyone to die once. Death is inevitable for rich and poor, young and old, good and evil alike.
3. Death is unnatural
While death is a universal reality today, the Bible indicates it was never part of God’s good plan for humanity. Death is repeatedly portrayed as an enemy that will ultimately be destroyed (1 Corinthians 15:26). Romans 5 contrasts death with the life humanity was meant for. Death is a perversion and distortion of how things should be.
4. Physical death and spiritual death
The Bible distinguishes between physical death (the end of bodily life) and spiritual death (separation from God). Because of sin, all are born spiritually dead and alienated from God (Ephesians 2:1). Unless reborn spiritually, physical death means being condemned forever (Revelation 20:14-15). However, for believers, physical death just ushers the spirit into God’s presence.
5. Grief in the face of death is normal
While the Bible offers hope beyond death, it does not condemn grieving after the death of loved ones. Jesus himself wept at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35). However, grief should not lead to despair, since Christians do “not grieve as others do who have no hope” (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
6. Jesus Christ has overcome death
A central theme of the New Testament is Jesus’ triumph over death through his resurrection (2 Timothy 1:10). His victory ensures that for believers, death has been defanged and transformed from a fearful enemy into a passageway to eternal life (1 Corinthians 15:22).
7. Believers who die are immediately in God’s presence
The Bible depicts physical death for the Christian as the spirit departing to be with Christ (Philippians 1:23, 2 Corinthians 5:8). This is a temporary intermediate state of blessedness with God prior to the resurrection. At death, believers go into God’s presence in heaven even as their bodies await future resurrection.
8. There will be a future resurrection of the dead
The Bible teaches that after death comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27) and the resurrection of the dead. Believers will be raised with glorified bodies to eternal life, while unbelievers will be raised to face final judgment (John 5:28-29, Acts 24:15). Death does not end human existence.
9. Death will be permanently destroyed
While death seems powerful today, the Bible promises it will eventually be thrown into the “lake of fire” and fully eradicated in the new heavens and earth (Revelation 20:14, 21:4). God’s original purpose of eternal physical life for humanity will finally be restored for those redeemed in Christ.
10. Eternal life is only through Christ
The Bible is clear that the only way to experience life beyond death is to receive Jesus Christ as Savior. He alone can reconcile us to God and forgive our sins (John 3:16, John 14:6). Without Christ, there is no hope beyond the grave.
In summary, the Bible presents death as a consequence of human sinfulness, yet also emphasizes that death has been overcome through Jesus Christ. For believers, physical death is merely a transition into God’s presence. While grieving death is normal, Christians have sure hope that all who are in Christ will share in his resurrection when he returns. Death will finally be eradicated when God consummates his kingdom.