Immortality
Summary
The quality of being exempt from death, belonging inherently to God alone but granted to believers through Christ.
☩God's Essential Immortality
Scripture declares that God alone possesses immortality in Himself. He is 'the King eternal, immortal, invisible' and dwells in unapproachable light. All other existence—angelic and human—is derivative and dependent on Him. Immortality in the absolute sense is a divine attribute; creatures possess it only as a gift sustained by God's will.
☩Immortality Revealed in Christ
The full revelation of immortality came through Jesus Christ, who 'abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.' Christ's resurrection demonstrated His victory over death and opened the way for believers to share in deathless life. What was dimly perceived in the Old Testament became clear through Christ's conquest of the grave.
☩The Resurrection Body
Believers will receive immortal bodies at the resurrection. Paul describes this transformation: 'this mortal must put on immortality.' The resurrection body will be incorruptible, glorious, and powerful—no longer subject to decay, disease, or death. This is not merely continued existence but transformation into a deathless mode of life suited for eternal fellowship with God.
☩The Soul's Immortality
While Scripture does not systematically argue for the soul's immortality, it assumes and implies it throughout. The appearance of Moses and Elijah at the transfiguration, Christ's promise to the thief on the cross, and Paul's desire to depart and be with Christ all presuppose conscious existence after death. Believers who die are described as being 'with Christ' and the wicked as facing judgment, both implying continued personal existence.
☩Seeking Immortality
Paul describes some who 'by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality.' This is not earning salvation but the characteristic pursuit of those who have been transformed by grace. The hope of immortality shapes Christian living, motivating believers to invest in what is eternal rather than temporal.
Related Verses85 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Immortality," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IV (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Immortality," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).