The word mortal means “subject to death.” Human beings are mortal as they will die and cannot live forever. Death is inevitable for all mankind. God is immortal, meaning “not subject to death” — never dying. The words eternal and everlasting mean the same. And pertains only to God Almighty, the Creator of the universe. Isaiah 40:28 says, “Have you not known? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, Thy great name we praise.
— Walter Chalmers Smith, 1824-1908).
The Scriptures make clear that man is a mortal human being who will die at any time. Therefore, no one should trust in man. King David, in his thanksgiving and prayer at the building of the Temple, mentioned: “For we are strangers before you and sojourners, as all our fathers were. Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no abiding.” (1 Chronicles 29:15). “Our days on the earth are like a shadow,” meaning the brevity of human life. A shadow vanishes when the object that produces the shadow moves.
Job, the man who was blameless and upright, and feared God, in his dialogue with his counselors declared, “Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not.” (Job 14:1,2). Here again we see that mortal man will die. Job is comparing human life to a flower that blooms but will not last indefinitely. Instead, it withers and fades.
The prophet Isaiah tells us not to have confidence in man, who is mere human, and subject to death. “Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?” (Isaiah 2:22). The same breath in our nostrils that keeps us alive will surely stop some day, and we cease to live.
Moses’s prayer and thanksgiving at the building of Solomon’s Temple is recorded in Psalm 40. “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:1-4).
The fact that God is our dwelling place is noteworthy. This is most important to keep in mind since we live in a fallen world where difficulties, trials, tribulations, and uncertainties will affect us. During those times, it is comforting to know that the eternal God will always be our dwelling place and a refuge from the storms of life. God’s dwelling place provides for our comfort, security, and reassurance.
God pre-existed before His creation. Moses prayed: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world.” (Psalm 90:2). This is supported in Genesis 1:2,3. “The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”
The Scripture confirms God is eternal. “From everlasting to everlasting you are God.” (Psalm 90:2). Therefore, God is not subject to time as we are. He will remain forever God. Absolutely nothing has, or will ever change His eternality.
Moses continues in his prayer to God, “You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!.” After Adam and Eve sinned because of their disobedience, God told Adam. “For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Genesis 3:19). Again we see that mortal man is subject to time that nothing can change. No one is in control of his or her own destiny. God has the last word.
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
— Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
Job said this to God about man’s limited life span on earth, “Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass . . . But a man dies and is laid low; man breathes his last, and where is he?” (Job 14:5,10).
The conclusion of the whole matter is that mortal man is subject to God his Creator, and His supremacy. David acknowledged God’s all-seeing eye and inescapable presence in his prayer. “O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” (Psalm 139:1,2).
In view of the brevity of human life, let us ask God, “So teach us to number our days so that we may get a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12). Amen.