The concept of the inability to preserve life is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting the transient nature of human existence and the ultimate sovereignty of God over life and death. This theme underscores the limitations of human power and wisdom in the face of mortality, emphasizing the need for reliance on God.

Human Mortality and Limitations

The Bible frequently acknowledges the frailty and brevity of human life. In Psalm 39:4-5 , David prays, "Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath." This passage highlights the ephemeral nature of human life and the inability of individuals to extend their days beyond what God has ordained.

Similarly, in James 4:14 , the apostle James reminds believers of the uncertainty of life: "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 metaphor of life as a mist illustrates the transient and unpredictable nature of human existence.

Divine Sovereignty Over Life and Death

The Bible asserts that God alone holds the power over life and death. In Deuteronomy 32:39 , God declares, "See now that I am He; there is no god besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand." This verse affirms God's ultimate authority over all aspects of life, including its beginning and end.

The account of Job further illustrates this principle. Despite his suffering and the loss of his health and family, Job acknowledges God's sovereignty, saying in Job 1:21 , "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD." Job's response to his trials reflects a deep understanding of God's control over life and death.

Human Efforts and Divine Will

While humans may strive to preserve life through various means, the Bible teaches that such efforts are ultimately subject to God's will. In Psalm 127:1-2 , it is written, "Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved." This passage suggests that human endeavors, including those aimed at preserving life, are futile without God's blessing and intervention.

The parable of the rich fool in Luke 12:16-21 further illustrates this point. The rich man plans to store up his wealth for many years, saying to himself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy; eat, drink, and be merry!" But God says to him, "You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?" This parable serves as a caution against placing trust in material wealth or human plans for security, highlighting the unpredictability of life and the necessity of being "rich toward God."

Eternal Perspective

The Bible encourages believers to adopt an eternal perspective, recognizing that true life is found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In John 11:25-26 , Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?" This promise of eternal life through faith in Christ offers hope beyond the limitations of earthly existence.

In conclusion, the Bible consistently teaches that while humans are unable to preserve life on their own, they can find assurance and hope in the sovereignty and promises of God. Through faith in Christ, believers are offered the gift of eternal life, transcending the temporal nature of human existence.