Life

In the biblical context, "life" is a multifaceted concept that encompasses physical existence, spiritual vitality, and eternal communion with God. The Bible begins with the creation of life, as described in Genesis 1:20-31, where God creates living creatures and ultimately human beings in His own image. This foundational act underscores the sanctity and divine origin of life.

The Hebrew word for life, "chay," and the Greek word "zoe" are used throughout the Scriptures to denote not only biological life but also a quality of life that is aligned with God's purposes. In Deuteronomy 30:19, Moses sets before the Israelites the choice between life and death, urging them to choose life by loving and obeying God: "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. So choose life, so that you and your descendants may live."

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is central to the understanding of life. He declares in John 10:10, "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." Here, life is not merely physical existence but an abundant, fulfilling life that is found in relationship with Christ. Furthermore, Jesus identifies Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), emphasizing that true life is found in Him.

Eternal life is a key theme in the New Testament, particularly in the writings of John. In John 3:16, the promise of eternal life is given to those who believe in Jesus: "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." This eternal life is not just an unending existence but a quality of life that begins now and continues into eternity, characterized by knowing God and Jesus Christ (John 17:3).

Being

The concept of "being" in the Bible is closely related to the nature and essence of God, humanity, and creation. The Hebrew word "hayah" and the Greek "einai" are often used to describe existence or being. In Exodus 3:14, God reveals Himself to Moses with the name "I AM WHO I AM," indicating His self-existence, eternal nature, and unchanging being. This revelation underscores God's unique status as the source and sustainer of all that exists.

Human beings, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), possess a unique status in creation. This imago Dei endows humanity with dignity, purpose, and the capacity for relationship with God. Psalm 8:4-5 reflects on the significance of human beings in God's creation: "What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor."

The New Testament further explores the nature of being in Christ. In Acts 17:28, Paul declares, "For in Him we live and move and have our being," emphasizing that our existence is rooted in God. This understanding of being is transformative, as believers are called to live in accordance with their new identity in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).

The Bible also addresses the fallen state of human being due to sin, which distorts the original purpose and relationship with God. Romans 3:23 states, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." However, through Christ's redemptive work, believers are restored to a right relationship with God, experiencing a renewed being that reflects God's glory (Ephesians 4:24).

In summary, the biblical concepts of life and being are deeply intertwined, reflecting the divine origin, purpose, and destiny of humanity in relation to God. Life is both a gift and a calling, while being is rooted in the eternal nature of God and the transformative work of Christ.