How the Cross Impacts Death

Genesis 3:1-24

Most people prefer to focus on living, but death is a reality we must all face. Scripture says, “When Adam sinned, sin entered the world. Adam’s sin brought death, so death spread to everyone, for everyone sinned” (Rom. 5:12 NLT). In the garden of Eden, Adam—together with Eve—broke the only command God had given them: “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” (Gen. 2:17 NIV). Disobedience broke their intimacy with God and brought physical death to humanity. 

Because of sin, then, our bodies are mortal (Rom. 6:23)—and there’s no escape unless Jesus returns while we’re living. As Adam’s descendants, we are born “dead in [our] offenses and sins” (Eph. 2:1), and we remain spiritually dead unless we unite with God through faith in Christ (1 Cor. 15:22). By receiving the Savior, we are reconciled to our heavenly Father and guaranteed eternal life with Him (John 3:15). How thankful we should be that Jesus gave His life to free us from our fear of death (Heb. 2:15).

So even though our bodies die, we have hope because of the everlasting life we are promised in heaven. The cross transformed death from a dead end to a doorway into Jesus’ presence. 

Bible in One Year: Luke 1:1-80