What is Death

What is death according to the Bible? Understand its origin, nature and why it exists

Death is the great enemy of mankind. We all fear it, and all of us will be touched by it. But where did death come from? Why do we exist only to die? And what exactly happens when life ends?

In the previous lesson, we learned that we are “living souls” — complete beings formed by the dust of the earth plus the breath of life. Now we will see what happens when this process is reversed.

The Origin of Death

Did death always exist in God's original plan?

Yes, it is part of the natural cycle of life No, death entered as a consequence of sin Death always existed, but only for animals God created death to control the population

Death was not part of God’s original plan. In Eden, Adam and Eve had access to the tree of life and could live forever. Death entered the world as a direct consequence of disobedience — of sin.

“It was not God’s design that man should be sinful. He made him morally free, and possessing a perfect nature, with no tendency toward evil.” — Ellen G. White, Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 49

Through whom did sin and death enter the world?

Through fallen angels Through the serpent Through one man (Adam) Through Eve

Although Eve was the first to sin, the Bible attributes the entrance of sin to Adam, as he was the representative of the human race. Because of his choice, all his descendants inherited sinful nature and its consequences — including death.

What is Death?

To what is death compared in the Bible?

To a journey to another world To a deep sleep To a transformation into spirit To a liberation from the prison of the body

Jesus, when speaking about the death of His friend Lazarus, said: “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going there to wake him up.” This is the most common biblical metaphor for death — a sleep. And just as sleep is a temporary state of unconsciousness, so is death.

What happens when the breath of life leaves the body?

The person's thoughts continue in another realm The spirit immediately goes to heaven or hell His thoughts perish on that very day The person becomes a guardian angel

This is one of the clearest statements in the Bible about the state of the dead. When we die, our thoughts — our consciousness, memories, plans — perish. We no longer think, feel or exist consciously in another place.

The Reversal of Creation

Remember the “formula of life”:

DUST + BREATH OF LIFE = LIVING SOUL

At death, this formula is reversed:

LIVING SOUL - BREATH OF LIFE = DUST

Where does the body go and where does the breath of life go at death?

The body goes to heaven and the breath to the earth Both go to God The dust returns to the earth and the breath returns to God The body transforms and the breath disappears

Death is simply the reversal of the creative process. The body returns to the dust from which it came, and the principle of life returns to God, who gave it. What remains? Nothing conscious. The “living soul” ceases to exist until resurrection.

“In death there is a complete cessation of life. There is no feeling of pleasure or pain, no memory, no knowledge.” — Ellen G. White, Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 3, p. 1091

Death as a Consequence of Sin

What is the wages of sin?

Eternal suffering in hell Reincarnation in another life Death Temporary separation from God

The wages — the just consequence — of sin is death. It is not eternal torment, it is not reincarnation, it is not purgatory. It is the complete cessation of existence. This is the penalty that all of us face because of sin.

Who is subject to death?

Only the wicked All human beings, without exception Only those who reject God Only those who were not baptized

Death is universal. Righteous and wicked, believers and unbelievers — all die. The difference is not in escaping death, but in what happens after it: resurrection to eternal life or to final condemnation.

The Good News

Despite the dark reality of death, there is hope!

What does God offer as a gift in contrast with death?

Reincarnation in a better life Eternal life in Christ Jesus Existence as a spirit in heaven Fusion with universal consciousness

Eternal life is not something we naturally possess: it is a gift from God, given through Jesus Christ. While death is the deserved wages of sin, eternal life is an undeserved gift of divine grace.

“Christ became one with us in humanity, that we might be one with Him in divinity. It is by virtue of this union that we may come forth from the grave.” — Ellen G. White, The Desire of Ages, p. 388

And Now?

Understanding the truth about death leads us to important reflections:

The seriousness of sin: Sin is not just a mistake; it is what brought death to the world.
The need for a Savior: We cannot escape death by our own merits.
The value of life: Each day is precious; we should live with purpose.
Hope in Christ: Jesus conquered death and offers eternal life to all who believe.

Death is not the end for those who are in Christ. Though we all pass through it, there is the glorious promise of resurrection on the last day.

I acknowledge that death is the consequence of sin and that all of us are subject to it. I thank God for the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. I choose to trust Him as my Savior, knowing that He has power over death.

2) What is Death