Without Jesus, life is totally meaningless! (Physical Life)

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. Let’s begin by asking, what is the biblical definition of life? Scripture addresses life in three primary ways: physical life, spiritual life, and eternal life. Since this is a challenging issue, a biblical definition of life must address the topic from each of these facets. In this three part teaching, we’ll examine physical, spiritual, and eternal life. God Himself is the author of life, and all forms of life begin with Him. We read, “The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things” (Acts 17:24-25). Let’s examine what the Bible says about physical life. Understanding the definition of life from a physical perspective is essential. Physical life is the animating force in humans, animals, plants, and all living organisms. Life is the underlying source that causes things to move, grow, and reproduce. The Bible calls this force in animals and human beings the “breath of life.” When God created Adam, “Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being” (Genesis 2:7). The “breath of life” is the life-giving power God imparts to living beings. God is sovereign over all life. Scripture reveals, “If He should determine to do so, If He should gather to Himself His spirit and His breath, All flesh would perish together, And man would return to dust” (Job 34:14-15). Because of the fall of mankind into sin, life in this physical body is subject to suffering, sickness, hardship, labor, decay, temptation, sin, and death (Psalm 103:14–16; 104:23; Romans 5:12–21; 6:21–23; 8:18). Apart from a relationship with God, physical existence is empty and meaningless (see Luke 12:15-23). Be encouraged!