What is the biblical definition of life?
What Is the Biblical Definition of Life?
The Bible provides a comprehensive understanding of life, addressing it from three primary perspectives: physical life, spiritual life, and eternal life. Each of these dimensions reveals God as the ultimate source and sustainer of all life. A thorough biblical definition of life must explore these facets in light of God’s revelation in Scripture.
God as the Author of Life
The foundation of all life is rooted in God Himself. He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Giver of life. Genesis 2:7 (NKJV) states, "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." Similarly, Acts 17:25 (NKJV) declares, "Nor is He worshiped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things."
God possesses life in its absolute and autonomous sense, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 32:39–40 (NKJV):
"Now see that I, even I, am He, and there is no God besides Me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; nor is there any who can deliver from My hand. For I raise My hand to heaven, and say, ‘As I live forever.’”
1. Physical Life
Definition and Origin
Physical life refers to the biological and animated existence of all living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. It encompasses the processes of movement, growth, reproduction, and sustenance. Physical life begins with the breath of God, as seen in Genesis 2:7, when God breathed life into Adam, making him a living being.
The Bible calls this animating force the “breath of life.” Job 33:4 (NKJV) reflects this truth: "The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." All physical life is under God’s sovereign control. He gives and takes away life according to His purposes. Job 34:14–15 (NKJV) states:
"If He should set His heart on it, if He should gather to Himself His Spirit and His breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust."
Life in a Fallen World
Due to humanity’s fall into sin, physical life is marked by suffering, labor, sickness, decay, and eventual death (Genesis 3:17–19; Romans 5:12). However, even in a fallen state, life is a gift from God. Jesus offered hope and restoration, proclaiming, "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly" (John 10:10, NKJV).
While physical life is temporary, its value is immense because it serves as the stage for individuals to seek God, find salvation, and prepare for eternal life.
2. Spiritual Life
Created for Fellowship with God
Humans were uniquely created for spiritual life, designed to live in fellowship with God. This spiritual dimension distinguishes humans from all other creatures. Unlike animals, humans are moral beings created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27), capable of making ethical decisions and engaging in a relationship with their Creator.
Spiritual Death Through Sin
Spiritual life was marred when Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the Garden of Eden. Their disobedience introduced sin into the world, resulting in spiritual death, or separation from God. Romans 5:12 (NKJV) explains, "Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned."
This spiritual death left humanity estranged from God and unable to achieve reconciliation through their own efforts.
New Spiritual Life Through Christ
The good news of the gospel is that God offers spiritual life through Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:4–5 (NKJV) proclaims:
"But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)."
Through faith in Christ, believers experience spiritual rebirth and restored communion with God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) declares:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
3. Eternal Life
Definition of Eternal Life
Eternal life is the fullness of life in fellowship with God that begins at the moment of salvation and continues forever. It is both a present reality and a future promise for those who believe in Jesus Christ. John 17:3 (NKJV) defines eternal life:
"And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."
The Gift of Eternal Life
Eternal life is a gift of God’s grace, given through faith in Christ. Romans 6:23 (NKJV) states:
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
This eternal life is made possible through Christ’s death and resurrection. Through Him, believers are reconciled to God and receive the promise of a glorified existence in His presence. 1 Corinthians 15:22 (NKJV) affirms:
"For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive."
Life Beyond Physical Death
Eternal life also signifies the believer’s hope of resurrection and everlasting communion with God. For Christians, death is not the end but a transition to the presence of the Lord. Philippians 1:21 (NKJV) expresses this perspective:
"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
Conversely, those who reject God’s offer of salvation face eternal separation from Him. Daniel 12:2 (NKJV) warns:
"And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt."
Conclusion: A Biblical View of Life
The biblical definition of life is deeply rooted in the character and purposes of God. Physical life reflects God’s creative power, spiritual life reveals His redemptive love, and eternal life demonstrates His gracious plan for humanity’s ultimate restoration. For Christians, true life is found in Jesus Christ, who is "the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6, NKJV).
Life, in all its dimensions, is a gift from God and should be lived in fellowship with Him, for His glory, and in preparation for eternity. Colossians 3:3–4 (NKJV) captures the Christian perspective on life:
"For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory."
