The Doctrine Of Life
Bodie Hodge, M.Sc., B.Sc., PEI
Biblical Authority Ministries, June 19, 2026 (Donate)
God is life (John 14:6). He is the Creator of life and
Sustainer of life. Life then, is based on a spiritual being because God is
spirit (John 4:24).
You are reading this because God gave you intelligent life—through your mutual ancestors Adam and Eve who passed life to their
descendants all the way down to your generation. But God gave the first man’s
his life and upholds that life as it intrinsically passed all way down to all
people today.
Regarding physical life, we define it via physical aspects:
1. breath (e.g., breath of life)
2. blood (e.g., actively flowing with a heartbeat to take what you breath, eat, and drink to sustain your physical body.
3. Temperature (range of sustainability)
4. Adequate bodily form (e.g., you’ve not been smashed by a tower)
5. Etc.
If these things stop or have major problems, then life in
the physical sense ceases. This is death, in a physical reality. So, there is a relationship between life and
death (I know you already knew that!).
Eternal Life in Christ Alone
But man is made uniquely in the image of an eternal God.
Thus, our souls have an eternal aspect that will go on forever. It is appointed
for man to die one (because of sin in Genesis 3 of course), then face judgment.
Man will again have new bodies upon the physical
resurrection (in a manner that Christ was physically resurrected) and spend
eternity in either:
· Heaven (eternal life/everlasting life in Heaven—technically a new heaven and a new earth; enjoying God’s goodness forever) or
· Hell (eternal death/everlasting punishment; where the infinite wrath of God abides on you forever—with nothing good ever and is described as being in a fire burning for all eternity).
So, the matter of attaining eternal life by believing in
Jesus Christ, who is God, came in the flesh and died in your place for your
sins through His death, burial, and resurrection is of utmost importance. Unrepentant
sinners will not be saved from the punishment of their sins because they didn’t
receive Jesus Christ, thus they remain condemned.
When one believes in Jesus, their sins are forgiven and
Christ’s perfect righteousness is transferred to you (called imputation).
This is why you are seen as spotless before God on judgment day.
Doctrine of Life According to the Bible
So far, we have been discussing human life and how it
relates to the source of life—and eternal life—God Himself. Yet human beings
are not the only living creatures God has made. Animals also possess life, and
angels are living spiritual beings. When the Bible discusses life, it presents
a comprehensive picture that includes mankind, animals, and angels, all of whom
owe their existence to the Creator.
Origin of Life
All life ultimately originates from God. Genesis 1–2
declares that God created the heavens, the earth, and every living thing within
them. Unlike any other creature, man was made in the image of God (Genesis
1:26–27). God personally formed Adam from the dust of the ground and breathed
into him the breath of life, making him a living being (Genesis 2:7). Human
life is therefore unique, reflecting God's image and possessing an eternal
aspect.
Animals were also created by God during Creation Week
according to their distinct kinds (Genesis 1:20–25). Scripture refers to them
as living creatures, using the Hebrew expression nephesh chayyah, meaning
"living being" or "living creature." Their existence
testifies to God's wisdom, creativity, and provision.
Angels likewise owe their existence to God. They are
spiritual beings who were created either before or during the foundation of the
world (Job 38:7; Nehemiah 9:6; Colossians 1:16). Though they are not made in
the image of God as mankind is, they reflect certain attributes associated with
their spiritual nature. God created them to serve Him, worship Him, and carry
out His will throughout creation (Hebrews 1:14).
Purpose of Life
God created every form of life with a purpose. Human beings
were made for fellowship with God. Before sin entered the world, Adam and Eve
enjoyed direct communion with their Creator in the Garden of Eden (Genesis
3:8). Mankind was also commissioned to exercise dominion over the earth,
steward creation, reflect God's image, and worship Him. As Solomon concluded,
man's chief duty is to fear God and keep His commandments (Ecclesiastes 12:13).
Animals serve an important role within God's creation as
well. They display God's creativity, wisdom, and provision. Psalm 104
beautifully describes God's care for the animal kingdom. Although animals are
not moral beings and are not accountable before God in the same manner as
humans, they remain part of His originally good creation. Nevertheless, they
now suffer under the effects of the curse that entered the world through man's
sin in Genesis 3.
Angels were created to serve and glorify God. They carry out
His commands, minister to His people, and participate in the administration of
His purposes throughout history (Psalm 103:20; Hebrews 1:14). Sadly, some
angels rebelled against God and became demons. Their rebellion is irreversible,
and Scripture teaches that their final destiny is eternal judgment.
Nature of Life
Human life consists of both material and immaterial
components. Man possesses a physical body as well as a soul and spirit (1
Thessalonians 5:23). Because mankind is made in God's image, human life
possesses inherent dignity and value. Scripture repeatedly emphasizes the
sacredness of human life (Genesis 9:6). Death, by contrast, is portrayed as an
enemy and intruder into God's good creation (1 Corinthians 15:26). In many
respects, death may be viewed as a parasite upon life, disrupting what God
originally intended.
Angels are fundamentally different from humans. They are spiritual, non-corporeal beings (Hebrews 1:14), though God may permit them to appear in physical form when carrying out His purposes, as seen in Genesis 18.
Angels do not marry (Matthew 22:30), possess remarkable intelligence and power,
and exist separately from humanity. Some remained faithful to God and are often
referred to as the elect angels, while others exercised their ability to rebel
and became demons.
Animal life is physical and biological in nature. Like
mankind, animals possess the breath of life (Genesis 7:15) and are described as
living creatures. However, Scripture never indicates that animals bear the
image of God or possess the eternal destiny associated with human beings. While
animals have a soulish life in the sense of nephesh chayyah, they occupy a
different place within God's created order than mankind.
Death and Destiny
The destinies of humans, animals, and angels differ
significantly. Human death entered the world because of sin (Genesis 3; Romans
5:12). Although the physical body dies, the soul continues to exist. Every
person will ultimately experience resurrection and judgment (Hebrews 9:27;
Daniel 12:2). Those who trust in Christ inherit eternal life in God's presence,
while those who reject Him remain under condemnation and face eternal
punishment.
Animals eventually return to the dust from which they came
(Ecclesiastes 3:19–20). While Scripture speaks extensively about their role in
creation, it does not directly reveal an afterlife for animals.
The destiny of angels depends upon whether they remained
faithful to God. Holy angels continue to serve in God's presence, while fallen
angels await their final judgment. Scripture teaches that Satan and his demons
will ultimately be cast into the lake of fire prepared for them (Matthew 25:41;
2 Peter 2:4).
Redemption, Restoration, and Eternal Life
The greatest expression of God's life-giving work is found
in redemption through Jesus Christ. Because of Christ's death and resurrection,
spiritual life is restored to sinners who trust in Him. Jesus declared that He
came so that His people might have life and have it more abundantly (John
10:10). Through faith in Christ, believers receive eternal life, forgiveness of
sins, and the indwelling Holy Spirit as a guarantee of their future inheritance
(Romans 6:23; Ephesians 1:13–14).
God's plan of redemption extends beyond humanity to
encompass the restoration/new creation. Romans 8 teaches that creation
presently groans under the curse and eagerly awaits its renewal. In the new
heavens and new earth, the effects of sin will be removed (Revelation 21-22).
Unlike mankind, fallen angels are offered no plan of
redemption. Hebrews 2:16 reveals that Christ's saving work was directed
toward mankind, not angels. Faithful angels will continue serving God
throughout eternity, while fallen angels will face everlasting judgment.
Ultimately, eternal life is found only in union with God through Jesus Christ. It begins the moment a person places faith in Christ and continues forever. Humans alone are offered this gift through the gospel.
Angels are eternal but not redeemed; animals are temporal, yet animals will be part of heaven. The doctrine of life therefore
teaches that all life is sacred, purposeful, and accountable to the Creator.
Human beings occupy a unique position as image-bearers of God, angels serve His
purposes as spiritual beings, and animals display His wisdom and creativity—all
under the sovereign rule of the living God.
Eternal life is a mysterious union with God (e.g., the
church is the bride of Christ), beginning now by faith in Christ and continuing
forever (John 17:3). Only mankind is offered this through the gospel (1 John
5:11–12).
This doctrine affirms that life is sacred, purposeful, and
accountable to the Creator. Man holds a unique place in creation (as image bearers), spiritual
beings serve divine purposes, and animals reflect God's creativity—all under
His sovereign rule.
Biblical Life (Nephesh) Vs. Modern Biological
Life—Two Different Definitions
The Bible defines what life is—we often call this
"biblical life" (Hebrew: nephesh, chayyah). Biblical life is
based on the presence of a soul or consciousness. Man, as well as animals, are
defined as life. Plants, protists, like microbes, fungi, rivers, rocks and
stars are not defined as life biblically.
Angels and heavenly beings are also considered living having
a soul. God, being absolute life and the ultimate life-giving Spirit, not only
created all life but sustains and upholds life into existence.
Based on modern classifications, life today is defined
differently from the Bible. This is called "biological life" and has
to do with biological processes, growth, reproduction, and so on. So many
things overlap in this definition, but not all things.
Man and animals are life in both definitions.
However, plants, protists like amoebas, and fungi are also “alive” in the
biological sense. Viruses are a bit of mess via this definition—so it depends
on with whom you are chatting. But rocks, stars, and rivers are not defined as
life in this system.
The Hebrew term nephesh (נֶפֶשׁ), often translated as
"soul" or "living being," signifies a creature with
consciousness, emotions, and the breath of life. This term is applied to humans
and animals but never to plants.
- Man
(Body, Soul/Spirit that is made in the image of an eternal God):
Genesis 2:7 describes man becoming a nephesh chayyah ("living
soul") when God breathed the breath of life into him. This denotes a
being with self-awareness and moral responsibility (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
- Animals
(body and soul): Creatures like fish, birds, and land animals are also
referred to as nephesh chayyah in Genesis 1:20–21, 24, 30,
indicating they possess life in a similar, though not identical, sense to
humans.
- Plants
(body): The Bible does not classify plants as nephesh life.
They are described as withering rather than dying, suggesting they lack
the soul or consciousness attributed to nephesh beings.
Biological Life
Biological life encompasses all organisms that exhibit
growth, reproduction, and metabolic processes. While plants and microorganisms
are biologically alive, the Bible does not attribute nephesh to them.
Thus, from a biblical perspective, not all biologically living entities possess
the "life" that includes a soul or consciousness. Thus, there are key
distinctions:
- Consciousness:
Nephesh beings have consciousness and emotions; plants do not.
- Moral
Responsibility: Man, as nephesh beings, have moral obligations;
plants, for example do not. Though animals could be judged for certain
things (e.g., Leviticus 20:15-16)
- Death:
Nephesh beings experience death; plants are described as withering,
not dying in the same sense.
This Relates to the Theological Topic of Death Before Sin
The distinction between biblical life (nephesh life) and
biological life has important implications for the doctrine of death before
sin.
According to Genesis 1, God completed Creation and declared
it "very good" (Genesis 1:31). At that time, Adam and Eve had not
sinned, and death had not entered the world through mankind. Scripture
repeatedly teaches that death entered the human race through Adam's sin (Romans
5:12; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22).
Some people assume that no form of death whatsoever could
have occurred before Adam sinned. However, the Bible specifically connects the
curse of death to nephesh life—human beings and animals. Plants are never
described as nephesh creatures. Since plants were given to man and animals for
food from the beginning (Genesis 1:29-30), plant consumption was part of God's
original creation before sin entered the world.
This distinction helps explain why Scripture emphasizes the
death of creatures possessing the breath of life and a living soul. The death
that entered through Adam's sin affected mankind directly and the animal
kingdom indirectly because of the curse placed upon creation (Romans 8:20-22).
Plants, however, are never described in Scripture as bearing God's image or
possessing nephesh life.
This understanding preserves the biblical teaching that
death is an enemy (1 Corinthians 15:26), while recognizing the distinctions God
Himself makes between different forms of life in Scripture.
Christ: The Lord of Life
The doctrine of life ultimately points us to Jesus Christ.
He declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (John 14:6).
Life is not merely a biological process or a chemical reaction. Life originates
from God, is sustained by God, and finds its ultimate purpose in God.
Christ is the Creator through whom all things were made
(John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17). He gives physical life to every creature and
spiritual life to all who trust in Him. Through His death, burial, and
resurrection, He conquered death itself and secured eternal life for His
people.
The gospel is therefore a message about life. Those who
remain in rebellion against God are spiritually dead and remain under
condemnation. Those who repent and place their faith in Christ are born again,
receive eternal life, and are adopted into God's family. Eternal life is not
merely endless existence; it is a restored relationship with the living God.
One day Christ will return and raise the dead. Believers
will receive glorified bodies that can never die, suffer, or decay. The curse
will be removed, creation will be restored, and God's people will dwell with
Him forever in the new heavens and new earth.
Conclusion
The doctrine of life teaches that God alone is the source of
all life. Human beings, animals, and angels owe their existence to Him. Human
life is uniquely valuable because mankind alone is made in the image of God.
Animals display God's creativity and wisdom, while angels serve His purposes as
spiritual beings.
Life is sacred because it comes from God. Death is an
intruder that entered the world through sin. Yet through Jesus Christ, God has
provided the solution to sin and death. Those who trust in Christ receive
forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life.
From the first breath given to Adam to the resurrection of
the saints, the Bible presents a unified message: life comes from God, is
sustained by God, and finds its fullest expression in fellowship with God
through Jesus Christ. Therefore, the doctrine of life is ultimately a doctrine
about the glory of the living God, who alone has life in Himself and freely
gives it to His creatures.
Bodie Hodge, Ken
Ham's son in law, has been an apologist defending 6-day creation and opposing
evolution since 1998. He spent 21 years working at Answers in Genesis as
a speaker, writer, and researcher as well as a founding news anchor for Answers
News. He was also head of the Oversight Council.
Bodie
launched Biblical Authority Ministries in 2015 as a personal
website and it was organized officially in 2025 as a 501(c)(3). He has spoken
on multiple continents and hosts of US states in churches, colleges, and
universities. He is married with four children.
Mr. Hodge earned a
Bachelor and Master of Science degrees from Southern Illinois University at
Carbondale (SIUC). Then he taught at SIUC for a couple of years as a
Visiting Instructor teaching all levels of undergraduate engineering and
running a materials lab and a CAD lab. He did research on advanced ceramic
materials to develop a new method of production of titanium diboride with a
grant from Lockheed Martin. He worked as a Test Engineer for Caterpillar,
Inc., prior to entering full-time ministry.
His love of science
was coupled with a love of history, philosophy, and theology. For about one
year of his life, Bodie was editing and updating a theological, historical, and
scientific dictionary/encyclopedia for AI use and training. Mr. Hodge has over
25 years of experience in writing, speaking and researching in these fields.
