Topical Bible: Natural Life: Short

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Natural life, as understood within the biblical context, refers to the physical existence and biological processes that characterize living beings on earth. This concept is distinct from spiritual life, which pertains to the eternal and divine aspect of existence. The Bible provides insights into the nature, purpose, and limitations of natural life, emphasizing its temporal nature and the divine sovereignty over it.

Creation and the Breath of Life
The origin of natural life is rooted in the creation narrative found in Genesis. God is depicted as the ultimate source of life, having formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, making him a living being (Genesis 2:7). This act signifies the divine initiation of life and underscores the dependence of all living creatures on God's sustaining power.

The Value of Life
Scripture affirms the inherent value of natural life, as humans are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This imago Dei endows human life with dignity and worth, setting it apart from other forms of life. The sanctity of life is further emphasized in the commandment, "You shall not murder" (Exodus 20:13), which underscores the protection and respect due to human life.

The Transience of Life
The Bible frequently acknowledges the fleeting nature of natural life. James 4:14 compares life to a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes, highlighting its brevity and uncertainty. Similarly, Psalm 90:10 reflects on the limited span of human life, which is often marked by toil and trouble, yet swiftly passes away.

Purpose and Stewardship
Natural life is portrayed as an opportunity for stewardship and service. Believers are called to live purposefully, using their time and resources to glorify God and serve others. Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This verse emphasizes the intentionality behind human existence and the call to fulfill God's purposes.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
While natural life is a gift from God, it is also subject to His sovereign will. Job 12:10 declares, "In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind." This acknowledgment of divine control over life and death calls for a humble recognition of human limitations and a reliance on God's providence.

Eternal Perspective
The Bible encourages believers to view natural life in light of eternity. While earthly life is temporary, it serves as a preparation for the eternal life promised through faith in Jesus Christ. John 3:16 assures, "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 eternal perspective provides hope and meaning beyond the confines of natural life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 14:1
Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 89:47
Remember how short my time is: why have you made all men in vain?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

5591. psuchikos -- natural, of the soul or mind
... psuchikos Phonetic Spelling: (psoo-khee-kos') Short Definition: animal ... identity") --
properly, , ie what is natural, as it relates to () life alone (ie apart ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5591.htm - 8k

1078. genesis -- origin, birth
... Feminine Transliteration: genesis Phonetic Spelling: (ghen'-es-is) Short Definition:
birth ... birth NASB Word Usage birth (2), genealogy (1), life (1), natural (1 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1078.htm - 6k

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... In short, 4102("faith") for the believer is "God's " – and therefore ... Lord offers
to inbirth faith in each scene of life – so that ... faith is not natural . . ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

5457. phos -- light
... Transliteration: phos Phonetic Spelling: (foce) Short Definition: light ... to reveal
and impart life, through Christ ... in the widest application, natural or artificial ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5457.htm - 7k

Library

A Short Description of Charity.
... A SHORT DESCRIPTION OF CHARITY. ... have not their origin from the body but are put in
them by the natural providence of God, so charity which gives life to our ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter xxii a short description.htm

Two Retrospects of one Life
... It is short as compared with the capacities and powers of ... Life is long enough if
it serves to build up ... man's remembrances in the shape which was natural to him ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/two retrospects of one life.htm

A Short Confession of Faith
... XIII TO END A SHORT CONFESSION OF FAITH. ... The natural force of his character, the
calmness and serenity ... I belong '"that covers all the inward life"'and whom ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a short confession of faith.htm

The Power of Christianity.
... origin of Christianity, is its elevation above the natural culture and ... may be truly
said that the simple record of three short years of active life has done ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 44 the power of.htm

The Life of Mr. James Mitchel.
... soul, tender compassion towards his body and natural spirits, patience ... state than
I can be in this life, free from ... kind of misery, and within a short time ye ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr james.htm

The Life of Mr. George Buchanan.
... he made a poem, yet it was but short, and such ... friends at court, that cardinal Beaton
sought his life, and had ... with the French, and the courtesy natural to them ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr george 2.htm

Philippians i. 18-20
... For if the fear of death had cut short my boldness, death would have been worthy
of ... Acts 17:28.) He does not then deny that he lives the natural life, but that ...
/.../homily iii philippians i 18-20.htm

Doctrine of the Resurrection of the Body, Continued How are the ...
... soul, [5652] admits of being called animal (or natural [5653] ) will become spiritual,
since it rises through the Spirit to an eternal life. In short, since it ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter x doctrine of the resurrection.htm

Man, Endued with Liberty, Superior to the Angels, Overcomes Even ...
... was not merely that he might live the natural life that God ... God designed for man
a condition of life, so man ... on the score of his helplessness: in short, if He ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter viii man endued with liberty.htm

Interruption of the visions of the Passion by the Appearance of St ...
... After saying these words in such a natural tone of ... to her, which admonition she,
in after-life, had frequently ... She then gave a short account of the visions ...
/.../chapter xxiv interruption of the.htm