IMMORTALITY

Two Greek words express the idea of immortality -- athanasia (no death), and aphtharsia (no corruption). In the absolute sense, only God possesses immortality, i.e., an underived and unending existence (1 Tim. 6:16). Concerning those who are created in God's image (human beings exclusively), we possess an inward spirit that will never be subject to extinction, thus, in that sense, is immortal (cf. Gen. 1:26; 9:6; Heb. 12:9; 1 Pet. 3:4). Materialists, who believe that wicked men will be annihilated ultimately, deny this. See ANNIHILATION. Death does not destroy the human soul (Eccl. 12:7; Mt. 10:28; Rev. 6:9-11). At the time of the resurrection, man's body will also assume an immortal form and abide forever -- whatever the nature of its destiny (Mt. 10:28; 1 Cor. 15:45-48; 2 Cor. 5:1ff; Phil. 3:21). The concept of immortality was not defined as clearly in the O.T. as it is in the New -- by virtue of Christ's resurrection from the dead (2 Tim. 1:10; Rev. 1:18).