Life and Immortality by A. M. Dart

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 30, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 50.

Life and Immortality

By A. M. Dart

ALL candid people who have given serious thought and study to the plan of salvation will concede that life was lost through the entrance of sin. “By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” Rom. 5: 12.

After sin entered, life for the human family was made possible only through Christ. “He that believeth on the Son hath [by faith] everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3: 36.

Now the human family sustains precisely the same relation to immortality. Both are made possible through the gospel. Proof: “Be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; who hath saved us, and called us . . . according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Tim. 1: 8-10.

It certainly could not be said that immortality was brought to light through the gospel if man was inherently immortal. One thing is certain: if it could be said of immortality, it could also be said of life; and no one who believes the gospel, would make such a claim.

Just as surely as life was lost through sin, and brought to light through the gospel, just so surely was immortality beyond the reach of man save through the gospel. To those who are prepared for it, both will be given in their fulness when Jesus comes, never to be lost again; “for this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.” 1 Cor. 15: 53. Then “death is swallowed up in victory.” Verse 54. A. M. DART.