In the biblical narrative, the concept of natural death is often depicted as the moment when an individual "yields up the spirit." This phrase signifies the departure of the life-giving breath or spirit from the body, marking the transition from earthly life to the afterlife. The Bible presents this event as a natural and inevitable part of the human experience, reflecting the belief that life is a gift from God and that the spirit returns to Him upon death.

Old Testament References

The Old Testament provides several instances where death is described in terms of yielding up the spirit. In Genesis 25:8, the death of Abraham is recorded: "Abraham breathed his last and died at a ripe old age, an old man and full of years, and he was gathered to his people." Here, the phrase "breathed his last" is synonymous with yielding up the spirit, indicating a peaceful and natural passing.

Similarly, in Genesis 35:29, the death of Isaac is described: "Then he breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, old and full of years. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him." The expression "breathed his last" again highlights the act of yielding up the spirit, emphasizing the completion of a life well-lived.

The Book of Job also touches on this theme. In Job 34:14-15, it is stated, "If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust." This passage underscores the belief that life is sustained by God's spirit, and its withdrawal results in death.

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the concept of yielding up the spirit is further illustrated in the accounts of Jesus' crucifixion. In Matthew 27:50, it is written, "When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit." This moment is pivotal, as it signifies not only the physical death of Jesus but also the fulfillment of His earthly mission and the commencement of a new covenant between God and humanity.

The Gospel of John also records this event with similar language. In John 19:30, it states, "When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, 'It is finished.' And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit." The deliberate act of yielding up the spirit by Jesus is portrayed as a voluntary and purposeful surrender, highlighting His divine authority even in death.

Theological Implications

The depiction of natural death as yielding up the spirit carries significant theological implications. It reflects the belief in the dual nature of humanity, composed of both body and spirit. The spirit, being the life-giving force, is seen as returning to God, the Creator, upon death. Ecclesiastes 12:7 articulates this understanding: "Then the dust returns to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it."

This view affirms the sovereignty of God over life and death, emphasizing that human life is a temporary stewardship entrusted by God. The act of yielding up the spirit is thus perceived as a return to the divine source, a transition from the temporal to the eternal.

In summary, the biblical portrayal of natural death as yielding up the spirit underscores the transient nature of earthly life and the enduring relationship between the Creator and His creation. It serves as a reminder of the hope of eternal life and the ultimate reunion with God.Acts 5:10
Then fell she down straightway at his feet, and yielded up the ghost: and the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her forth, buried her by her husband.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Death to Sin through Christ
... till we renounce all expectation of attaining by natural works. ... They dread it as
they dread death itself. ... apprehension of the Gospel as I have described them to ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xxiii death to sin through.htm

Questions and Answers
... their souls cry out for that which is natural in the ... me free from the law of sin
and death.""Ver.2. Paul's condition when under the law is described in the ...
/.../byers/sanctification/chapter xii questions and answers.htm

Sin Laid on Jesus
... His griefs are worthy to be described according to ... it may mean, whatever over and
beyond natural death was intended ... We believe also that by the death of Christ ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 12 1866/sin laid on jesus.htm

Mortification
... that this is the process everywhere described and recommended ... the mind of the flesh
is death; but the ... two processes depend upon two different natural principles ...
/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/mortification.htm

The Divine Christ Confessed, the Suffering Christ Denied
... of Peter's rash rejection of the teaching is described! ... shrank from the cross with
a natural and innocent ... When Jesus began to teach His death, He immediately ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the divine christ confessed the.htm

A Clearing-Up Storm in the Realm
... If this simple, natural meaning be taken here, it would ... at the deliverance of Israel
are described at much ... has been active in persecuting to death the people ...
/.../vi a clearing-up storm in the.htm

The Powers of Darkness
... attribute it to any cause rather than a natural one; his ... This can perhaps best be
described as a voice distinct ... of the Lord of Heaven and of the death upon the ...
/.../cable/the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xii the powers of.htm

The Importance of the Death of Christ in Preaching and in Theology
... being regarded as something in itself natural and intelligible ... which is described,
and truly described, in every ... are to be found in the atoning death of Christ ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 6 the importance of.htm

The Persecutions of the Church.
... He could conceive how an individual, yielding to the ... of Alexandria has been graphically
described by a ... Marcus Aurelius died a natural death; but, during his ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter ii the persecutions of.htm

Acts XX
... by the celebration of the Lord's death, which brings ... that this would be a very natural
expression to ... this journey, and was, probably, described with minuteness ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xx.htm

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