This is the second in our series, “What does the Bible say?” You can review the first reflection by clicking the Bible and sin.

First, read John 11:25-26

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?

 

 

Death Is the Result of the Fall

 

 

Death is the result of Adam and Eve’s fall into sin, according to Genesis 3:19.

That scripture tells us that after they had sinned (or eaten of the forbidden tree), God punishes them. Part of the punishment was,

“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust, you shall return.”

Since God made Adam out of clay, and Eve out of Adam, they were then both made out of dust.

After being kicked out of the garden of Eden, as a result of their fall, the number of humans have grown. But, so did evil. According to the book of Genesis, God was not still happy with their lifestyle.

So, he’s going to reduce the human lifespan (longevity) from what it was before 969 years of life in the case of Methuselah (Genesis 5), or 950 (Noah in Genesis ) down to 120.

Read Genesis 6:3,

Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.

So, sin opened the door to death, and death that all people have to face, one way or another.

Read Romans 5:12,

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people because all sinned.

All people end up dying. That’s the cycle of life. But, after we die once, then comes judgment that all people have to face (see Hebrews 9:27). 

 

 

Death of the Flesh and the Death of the Soul

 

 

As stated above, all humans die once and then have to face judgment, the Bible, therefore, implies two possible kinds of death.

Paul uses two concepts, based on 1 Corinthians 15:54-57: the perishable versus the imperishable, and the mortal versus the immortal. 

Death, in a way, affects the perishable and mortal. That’s what we all have as human beings since birth.

And, because of sin, we are powerless on our own. We can’t defeat death and its power.

Here’s the goodness from Paul (1 Corinthians 15:54-57),

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.” “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ defeated death and sin through his death and resurrection. As a result, we can find victory through him.

If we are in Christ, then, we don’t have to fear people who can’t kill our souls. We are to fear God who is the only One who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28). 

 

 

What Happens When Somebody Dies

 

 

As we discussed earlier, people are destined to die once, and after that, they have to face judgment (Hebrews 9:27).

With that in mind, we all should then understand there is no escape from facing God after death (or in the end).

Our physical (perishable or mortal) bodies return to earth, but the spirit returns to God who gave it to us (Ecclesiastes 12:7). In other words, when the physical body dies, life still continues, but in a different form.

Take a look at the story of the thieves who were crucified with Jesus.

One mocked Jesus asking him to rescue them since he was known as the healer and miracle doer. The other rebuked him saying that Jesus never deserved that kind of death. Then, he’d ask Jesus to remember him in his kingdom.

Here’s how Jesus responded to the second thief, 

Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Luke 23:43. 

Life continues even after death. But, the question is “do you want to experience the resurrection of life or the resurrection of judgment? (read John 5:28-29)

 

 

Death Isn’t the End

 

 

From what we’ve looked at, you can already tell that death isn’t the end of all.

There’s something much better than our perishable and mortal bodies. When you face death or have a loved one dying, the encouragement comes out of Jesus’ own words:

Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-3. 

Also, remember that our ultimate destination isn’t here on this current earth. And, our citizenship is in heaven. When Jesus Christ comes to take us home, he will also give us a different body whether through death or during his second coming (Philippians 3:20-21). 

Lastly, nothing and no one can separate you from the love of God in Christ. Not even death or no powers (spiritual or human) can do that. You’re in God’s hands once Jesus Christ is your personal Lord and Savior (Romans 8:38-39).

What you’ve got to do every day is to make sure God has his own way in your heart!