The Bible provides a comprehensive perspective on life and death, offering insights into the nature of human existence, the purpose of life, and the reality of death. These themes are woven throughout Scripture, providing guidance and hope for believers.

Life as a Gift from God

The Bible begins with the affirmation that life is a divine gift. In Genesis 2:7, it is written, "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 passage underscores the belief that life originates from God, who is the Creator and Sustainer of all living things. The sanctity of life is further emphasized in Psalm 139:13-14, where the psalmist declares, "For You formed my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."

The Purpose of Life

Scripture teaches that life has a purpose, which is to glorify God and enjoy a relationship with Him. Ecclesiastes 12:13 states, "When all has been heard, the conclusion of the matter is this: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." This verse highlights the importance of living in obedience to God’s will. Additionally, Jesus Christ, in John 10:10, promises abundant life to His followers: "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."

The Reality of Death

Death is presented in the Bible as a consequence of sin. Romans 5:12 explains, "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 reflects the belief that death is a universal reality resulting from the fall of humanity. However, the Bible also offers hope beyond death. In 1 Corinthians 15:22, Paul writes, "For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive."

Eternal Life through Christ

The New Testament reveals that through Jesus Christ, believers have the promise of eternal life. John 3:16, one of the most well-known verses, states, "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 promise is central to the Christian faith, offering assurance of life beyond physical death. 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."

The Hope of Resurrection

The hope of resurrection is a key aspect of the biblical perspective on death. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 provides a vivid description of this hope: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord." This passage reassures believers of a future reunion with Christ and fellow believers.

Living in Light of Eternity

The Bible encourages believers to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that earthly life is temporary. In 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Paul writes, "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." This perspective motivates Christians to prioritize spiritual values and live in anticipation of eternal life with God.