Topical Bible: Natural Death: All Shall be Raised From

Bible > Topical > Natural Death

◄ Natural Death: All Shall be Raised From ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Natural death, as understood within the Christian tradition, refers to the cessation of physical life, a universal experience for all humanity as a consequence of the Fall. The Bible presents death as an inevitable part of the human condition, yet it also offers the hope of resurrection, affirming that all who die will be raised again.

The Universality of Death

Scripture consistently acknowledges the universality of death. In Genesis 3:19, following the disobedience of Adam and Eve, God declares, "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 death for all humanity, a theme echoed throughout the Bible.

The Apostle Paul reiterates this in Romans 5:12, stating, "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." Here, death is portrayed as a direct consequence of sin, affecting every person without exception.

The Promise of Resurrection

Despite the certainty of natural death, the Bible offers a profound hope through the promise of resurrection. This hope is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which serves as a guarantee of the future resurrection of all the dead. In 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, Paul writes, "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 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."

The resurrection is not limited to the righteous alone but extends to all people. In John 5:28-29, Jesus declares, "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment." This passage affirms that every individual will be raised, though the outcomes will differ based on their deeds.

The Nature of the Resurrected Body

The Bible provides insight into the nature of the resurrected body, particularly in 1 Corinthians 15. Paul describes the transformation that will occur, stating in verses 42-44, "So will it be with the resurrection of the dead: What is sown is perishable; it is raised imperishable. It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body."

This transformation signifies a profound change from the mortal, perishable state of the natural body to an immortal, glorified state. The resurrected body will be free from the limitations and sufferings of earthly existence, reflecting the victory over death achieved through Christ.

The Final Victory Over Death

The ultimate hope for believers is the final victory over death, as promised in Scripture. Revelation 21:4 offers a vision of the new creation, where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This promise assures believers that death will be utterly defeated, and eternal life will be fully realized in the presence of God.

In summary, while natural death is an inescapable reality for all humanity, the Bible provides the assurance of resurrection for all, grounded in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This hope transforms the Christian understanding of death, offering a future where death is ultimately conquered, and eternal life is granted to those who are in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 24:15
And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Death of Death
... does not mean unconsciousness any more than natural sleep does ... when 'they cannot
die any more,' and death itself is ... since there is a life beyond, all labour here ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the death of death.htm

Our Bodies, However Mutilated Before or after Death, Shall Recover ...
... and lineaments, and quality, then why not with all its other ... by its resurrection,
what must we say of the death of a ... Natural condition [7722] is prior to injury ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter lvii our bodies however mutilated.htm

"But if the Spirit of Him that Raised up Jesus from the Dead Dwell ...
... The soul hath some kind of natural inclination to a body ... and though for a time separated
in death, yet not ... whole man, and it is comprehensive of all that can ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxx but if the.htm

Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body, Continued How are the ...
... also he is accustomed to put the natural condition instead of ... the kingdom of God
for the flesh: all we do ... which was written by the Creator, "O death, where is ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter x doctrine of the resurrection.htm

Christ and the Sadduccees
... essayist of today would also die a natural death, if the ... the future of the blessed
to that of all mankind; "as ... of any time when any soul shall be extinguished. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 12 18-27 christ and the.htm

Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death ...
... they should have attained by their natural temperament, if no ... the anaplasis, or new
creation from death, shall every way ... for ever be freed from all wants and ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/3 meditations of the blessed.htm

As to the Forgiveness of Sins, it Ought to be Enough Simple to ...
... has made me obnoxious to sin and death, so the ... be no opposition between our faith
and natural reason, while ... the Flesh, concludes the sum of all perfection with ...
/.../40 as to the forgiveness.htm

Not the Soul, but the Natural Body which Died, is that which is to ...
... after death; in a word, that it underwent death,"that is ... 7698] It is all about man,
and all about the ... it has the name of animate (or natural) body, expressly ...
/.../tertullian/on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter liii not the soul but.htm

The Redemption of the Body
... It is no natural result of death or resurrection ... mortal bodies by His Spirit that
dwelleth in you.' The resurrection is promised for all mankind, but it ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the redemption of the body.htm

On the Resurrection of the Dead
... So that, as by "a natural body" we understand one ... and we shall receive an abundant
recompence for all the trouble ... fortify us against the fear of death: It is ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 137 on the resurrection.htm