Topical Bible: Natural Death by Adam

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Introduction

Natural death, as introduced by Adam, is a foundational concept in Christian theology, representing the physical death that entered the world as a consequence of sin. This entry explores the biblical basis for natural death, its theological implications, and its significance in the broader narrative of Scripture.

Biblical Basis

The concept of natural death originates in the early chapters of Genesis. God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden, granting them access to the Tree of Life, which symbolized eternal life (Genesis 2:9). However, God commanded them not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, warning that disobedience would result in death: "but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for in the day that you eat of it, you will surely die" (Genesis 2:17).

Despite this command, Adam and Eve succumbed to temptation and ate the forbidden fruit. As a result, sin entered the world, and with it, death: "Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned" (Romans 5:12). This passage underscores the theological understanding that natural death is a direct consequence of Adam's transgression.

Theological Implications

Natural death, as introduced by Adam, is not merely a physical phenomenon but a profound theological reality. It signifies the separation of the body and soul, a condition that was not part of God's original design for humanity. The entrance of death into the world is a reminder of the brokenness caused by sin and the need for redemption.

The Apostle Paul elaborates on the contrast between Adam and Christ, the "last Adam," in 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 : "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." This passage highlights the hope of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus Christ, who conquers death and offers salvation to all who believe.

Significance in Scripture

Throughout the Bible, natural death serves as a backdrop for God's redemptive plan. The mortality introduced by Adam's sin sets the stage for the promise of eternal life through faith in Christ. The narrative of Scripture moves from the introduction of death in Genesis to the ultimate victory over death in Revelation, where God promises to "wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain" (Revelation 21:4).

The reality of natural death also serves as a call to repentance and faith. Hebrews 9:27 states, "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that to face judgment," emphasizing the urgency of turning to God and accepting the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Natural death, as introduced by Adam, is a central theme in the biblical narrative, illustrating the consequences of sin and the hope of redemption. Through the lens of Scripture, believers are called to understand the gravity of death and the promise of eternal life offered through Jesus Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 3:19
In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread, till you return to the ground; for out of it were you taken: for dust you are, and to dust shall you return.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 15:21,22
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Death by Adam, Life by Christ
... Adam, happy in the image and favour of his Maker, breathed the air ... While moral evil
was unknown, natural evils, such as sickness, pain and death, had no ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 2/sermon xli death by adam.htm

That Adam was not Created by God Subject to Death.
... That Adam was not created by God subject to death. That whosoever says that Adam,
the first man, was ... his sin merited this, but by natural necessity, let him be ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon cix greek cxij continued.htm

Sleep a Natural Function as Shown by Other Considerations, and by ...
... precedence over all the natural faculties. From this primary instance also we are
led to trace even then the image of death in sleep. For as Adam was a figure ...
/.../tertullian/a treatise on the soul/chapter xliii sleep a natural function.htm

Not the Soul, but the Natural Body which Died, is that which is to ...
... after death; in a word, that it underwent death,"that is ... he clearly speaks, must
be both the natural (or animate ... he displays to us "the first man Adam as made ...
/.../tertullian/on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter liii not the soul but.htm

What we are to Understand by the Animal and Spiritual Body; or of ...
... which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward ... first, being such as
the first Adam had, and ... bringing us under the necessity of death, and being ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 23 what we are to 2.htm

If Adam had not Sinned, He Would Never have Died.
... was dust, and although he bare about the natural body in ... the faithful and the saints,
without the peril of death. ... up of life." [215] Therefore, if Adam had not ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 2 ii if adam had.htm

Sin Passes on to all Men by Natural Descent, and not Merely by ...
... death which is here mentioned is not the death of the body, which they will not
allow Adam to have ... the first man to other persons by natural descent, but ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 9 ix sin passes on.htm

Natural Evil, or Suffering, and Especially the Suffering of ...
... this, however, that all suffering or natural evil bears the ... To pretend that, although
death and other temporal evils ... upon us through the sin of Adam, yet these ...
/.../a theodicy or vindication of the divine glory/chapter ii natural evil or.htm

Meaning of the Apostle's Phrase "The Reign of Death. "
... his future progeny, who should spring from him by natural descent; so ... copies of the
Scriptures read the passage thus: "Death reigned from Adam to Moses ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 13 xi meaning of the.htm

Original Sin Alone is Contracted by Natural Birth.
... 20."Original Sin Alone is Contracted by Natural Birth. ... that as sin hath reigned unto
death" [272] "even ... sin which men have not derived from Adam, but have ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 20 original sin alone is.htm