From Death to Life: God's Answer to Our Deepest Problem

 From Death to Life

Scripture:

• Genesis 2:15–17

• Genesis 4:8–15

• 1 Corinthians 15:15–19

• Revelation 1:18

Death is one of life’s greatest mysteries—and one of its deepest griefs. Why do we die? Why do we mourn? And what does God think about it all? The Bible doesn’t shy away from these questions. From the very beginning, Scripture shows us the origin of death, humanity’s experience of it, and God’s redemptive plan to overcome it. Let’s explore four key passages that take us on this journey—from Eden to eternity.

 The Origin of Death – Genesis 2:15–17

"You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die."

Here in Eden, God gives Adam both freedom and responsibility. He sets a boundary—not to punish, but to protect. Death enters the story not as a natural part of creation, but as a consequence of rebellion. Sin brings separation from God, the Giver of life. Death is not arbitrary; it’s a result of choosing autonomy over obedience, self over God.

 The First Death – Genesis 4:8–15

"Cain attacked his brother Abel and killed him."

The first physical death in the Bible is not an accident or an illness—it’s murder. A brother’s hands take the life of another. Sin has now infected not just the heart of individuals but relationships themselves. Cain’s story shows us that death isn’t only a punishment—it’s also a devastating ripple effect of a broken world. And yet, even in judgment, God shows mercy: He marks Cain, not to shame him, but to protect him.

God is not indifferent to death. He sees, He grieves, and He restrains evil even as He allows consequences.

 The Problem of Death – 1 Corinthians 15:15–19

"If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins…If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."

Paul speaks plainly: without resurrection, death wins. And if death wins, then sin remains our master, and hope is a fantasy. This is the gravity of the human condition—we are mortal, and we cannot escape it on our own. Our greatest enemy is not poverty or pain, but the finality of death and the sin that causes it.

 The Victory Over Death – Revelation 1:18

"I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."

Jesus changes everything. He doesn’t just promise life—He is life. He stepped into death and came out victorious. The one who had no sin died our death and rose again to offer us His life. Now, death is no longer a prison with a locked door. Christ holds the keys. And for those who trust in Him, death is no longer the end—it’s the beginning of life eternal.

Death and Us

Why do people die? Because sin broke the perfect world God made.
How does God view death? As an enemy—an intruder that He grieves and has sworn to defeat.
What is His solution? Jesus. The Living One who has conquered the grave.

In Christ, death is not the final word. Resurrection is.
So let us live—not in fear—but in the hope and power of the One who holds the keys. Amen!

More: Lesson 2 - The Genesis Foundation