What Does the Bible Say About Death & Dying?

Many people wonder what the Bible has to say about death and dying. The Bible refers to different types of death, including both physical and spiritual death. Some references to death are good, such as dying to the sinful nature. Others are bad, such as being put to death for sinning. The Bible also points out that death is a natural part of life.

Identification

The word "death" is mentioned in the Bible 452 times. The phrase "put to death" accounts for 145 of those references and has to do with punishment for breaking God's law, such as when a person purposely brings about harm or death to another person. (Exodus 21:12) Death is often viewed as a punishment inflicted by God. (Genesis 38:7) The word "dying" is only mentioned a handful of times, including the importance of "dying" to our sinful nature. (Romans 7:1-6)

Types

While the Bible includes multiple references to physical death, spiritual death is also a concern. The Bible identifies certain choices that can lead to death, such as choosing to get involved with an adulteress. (Proverbs 7:27) However, making good choices that are in harmony with God's Word can help a person be delivered from death. (Proverbs 10:2) The implication in both passages seems to be more about spiritual death than physical death.

Effects

In addition to physical and spiritual death, the Bible talks about dying to our sinful nature. The Bible points out that, through Jesus' sacrifice, we have now "died" to our sinful nature, so we no longer need to be controlled by our "sinful passions." (Romans 7:4-5) The Bible says that "But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code." (Romans 7:6)

Considerations

The Bible says out that the sins of one man (Adam) brought sin and death into this world. However, the death of one man (Jesus) liberated mankind from death. (Romans 5:12-21) The Bible says that, through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, death has been conquered. The Bible says that "Death has been swallowed up in victory ... Where, O death, is your sting?" (1 Corinthians 15:54-55)

Function

The Bible says that God is the one who has the power over life and death. (Deuteronomy 32:39) Death can be viewed as a negative, such as being put to death for doing something wrong. (Exodus 21:14) Death can be seen as a positive thing in the context of "dying" to the sinful nature. (Romans 7:6) Death is sometimes sought after by those in very deep pain. (Job 3:20-22) The Bible points out that death is a natural part of life. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

Resources

• Dying to Sinful Nature
• Death Through Adam, Life Through Christ