The Mystery of Death
Death has always fascinated and frightened humanity. What is its origin? According to the Bible, death arose due to human disobedience in the Garden of Eden, as described in Genesis.
And the Lord God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” (Genesis 2:16-17)
The Origin of Death: Sin in Eden
In the beginning, God created a perfect world where humanity lived in harmony with Him and creation. Endowed with free will, humans could make choices, bearing responsibility for their decisions. God allowed them to eat from any tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. By disobeying this command, humanity brought death as a consequence.
Death is the direct result of the separation between humanity and God. By sinning, humans distanced themselves from the source of life, which is God Himself.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)
Why Death?
Why such a severe consequence? The answer lies in God’s holiness and justice. God is holy and just, and sin cannot coexist in His presence. Disobedience broke the perfect communion between humanity and God, making death inevitable.
This condition is not only individual but also hereditary. All humanity inherited a sinful nature and, with it, subjection to death.
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. (Romans 5:12)
The Hope of Salvation
Despite the reality of death, the Bible offers a message of hope. God promised a Savior to restore communion between Him and humanity, bringing eternal life. This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who died for our sins and rose again, defeating death.
Jesus’ resurrection transforms death, which is no longer the end. For those who believe in Him, there is the promise of eternal life and the complete restoration of creation for God’s glory.
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.” (1 Corinthians 15:54)
Abundant Life: God’s Original Purpose
Death was not part of God’s original plan. Humanity was created to live, not to die. In Eden, made in God’s image, humans enjoyed perfect communion with Him.
Death interrupted this ideal relationship, a result of disobedience. Yet, God did not abandon His creation. He established a plan of redemption to restore humanity to eternal life through Jesus Christ.
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. (John 10:10)
Abundant Life in Christ
The abundant life promised by Jesus is not only eternal but also fulfilling on earth. In Christ, we are freed from the power of sin and death, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God’s original plan.
The Holy Spirit strengthens us to overcome sin and follow God’s will, granting spiritual gifts to serve God and others, and offering peace amid difficulties. In Jesus Christ, we find true life—abundant, eternal, and full of purpose.
