Topical Bible: The Gifts of God: Temporal: Life

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Definition and Nature

Life, as a temporal gift from God, is a fundamental aspect of human existence and a testament to God's creative power and sustaining grace. It encompasses both physical and spiritual dimensions, reflecting the divine image in which humanity was created. Life is a sacred trust, bestowed by God, and is to be cherished, respected, and lived in accordance with His will.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible affirms that life originates from God, who is the Creator and Sustainer of all living things. 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 divine act of imparting life, highlighting the intimate connection between God and humanity.

The Sanctity of Life

Scripture consistently upholds the sanctity of life, emphasizing its value and purpose. In Psalm 139:13-14 , 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." This acknowledgment of God's involvement in the formation of life underscores its sacredness and the inherent dignity of every human being.

Life as a Gift and Responsibility

Life is not only a gift but also a responsibility. Believers are called to live in a manner that honors God, recognizing that life is temporary and should be used wisely. Ephesians 5:15-16 advises, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil." This exhortation encourages the faithful to make the most of their time on earth, living purposefully and righteously.

The Brevity and Uncertainty of Life

The Bible also acknowledges the brevity and uncertainty of life, urging individuals to seek God's wisdom and guidance. James 4:14 reminds believers, "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This perspective fosters humility and dependence on God, recognizing that life is fleeting and ultimately in His hands.

Eternal Perspective

While life on earth is temporal, it serves as a precursor to eternal life, which is the ultimate gift of God through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 proclaims, "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 of eternal life offers hope and assurance, encouraging believers to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that their earthly journey is part of a greater divine plan.

Conclusion

The temporal gift of life is a profound expression of God's love and creativity. It is to be valued, respected, and lived in accordance with His purposes, with an awareness of its brevity and the hope of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 42:5
Thus said God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which comes out of it; he that gives breath to the people on it, and spirit to them that walk therein:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Divers Gifts of God's Chosen: and How Saints Come to Love in ...
... likingly warm; and the mind, mirthed with gifts, waxes hot ... forgets his Beloved nor
bowing to temporal liking will ... that which forsooth ilk holy lover of God hates ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter vi of divers gifts.htm

The Disciple, -- Sometimes this Question is Asked, "Since God is ...
... necessary for both the spiritual and temporal life, but since ... The things for our
spiritual life God has freely provided ... but on the other hand, His gifts of gold ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 3.htm

Temporal Advantages.
... account of their spiritual peril, when they were no longer encompassed by temporal
trials ... It may be asked, "Are not these dangerous things the gifts of God? ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon v temporal advantages.htm

First Sunday after Epiphany
... and severally members one of another.6 And having gifts differing according to the ...
as having reference to the life before God and not to the temporal life. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/first sunday after epiphany.htm

Certain it Is, Albeit all this Disputation Go from Side to Side...
... His gifts bestowed upon them, even His temporal gifts, and by ... very corruptions turn
away from eternal gifts: above all ... begun to be the Temple of God; which to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/on lying/section 38 certain it is.htm

That the vicissitudes of this Life are Dependent not on the Favor ...
... that men can be loaded with the gifts of fortune ... If in temporal matters they have
power either for good or for ... possession of those who worship that God by whom ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 23 that the vicissitudes of.htm

Of Faith
... And what can any prosperity, or temporal good in this ... world so wicked and so sinful
but God can convert ... adorn him with singular graces and many gifts of virtue ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter ii of faith.htm

I Believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth.
... of produce, and whatever else there is of bodily and temporal goods, good ... is drowned
in blindness, and abuses all the good things and gifts of God only for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/i believe in god the.htm

The Imitation of Christ
... The Eighteenth Chapter: Temporal Sufferings Should Be Borne Patiently, After the ...
Twenty-first Chapter: Above All Goods and All Gifts We Must Rest in God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/the imitation of christ/

Outward and Inward Morality
... finds corresponding expression as one of the Spirit's seven gifts. ... man is to be elevated
from temporal selfishness to the spring of all love, to God: man will ...
/.../eckhart/meister eckharts sermons/vii outward and inward morality.htm