THE NATURE OF MAN – PART I

Mortal or Immortal?

The great truth of Pauline/Reformation justification by faith tells us that we became sinners by what Adam did, an event in which we had no part; and we are saved by what Jesus did, the second Adam, an event in which we had no part. Our salvation is in Him. (Romans 5:12, 18, 19)

Our justification before God is in Him.

Our redemption is not in us but in Him.

Our righteousness before God is in Him.

(Romans 3:24-26)

In fact, Ephesians 1:3 says that God has blessed us with all spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ. The expression, “in Christ, in Him”, is used ten times in this chapter, and the Apostle Paul uses it sixty-four times in his writings. Our treasures are not to be on earth where they can be lost to moths, rust and thieves, but laid up in heaven. (Matthew 6:19-20)

Jesus said, “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” (John 6:47)

The believer has righteousness, but it is in Jesus.

The believer has justification, but it is in Jesus.

The believer has redemption, but it is in Jesus.

The believer has everlasting life … but where is it?

Everlasting life and immortality have been brought to light through the gospel (II Timothy 1:10) but it is in Jesus also.

Colossians 3:1-4

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on the things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life shall appear … .”

John 11:25

“I am the resurrection and the life … .”

Acts 17:28

“For in Him we live, and move, and have our being.”

“Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting”. (Luke 18:30, Mark 10:30)

It is at the Second Coming that “… We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed … For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality …. .” (I Corinthians 15:51-54)

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life ... .” (Daniel 12:2)

Man is mortal, subject to death.

“Shall mortal man be more just than God?” (Job 4:17)

“… O Lord, thou art our God; let not mortal man prevail against thee.” (II Chronicles 4:11 margin)

Only God is immortal, having life within Himself.

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life … who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality … .” (I Timothy 6:12-16)

“For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself.” (John 5:26)

THE WORDS “IMMORTAL SOUL” ARE NOT FOUND IN THE BIBLE.