Biblical Answer

The Human Condition: Understanding the Consequences of Sin

The question of why we have to lose our mobility, or experience other forms of suffering, is a profound one that has puzzled humanity for centuries. From the perspective of evangelical Christianity, we understand that the human condition is marked by suffering and pain due to the consequences of sin. As the Bible teaches, sin entered the world through Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, resulting in a fundamental change in humanity's relationship with God and with the world (Genesis 3). This fall from innocence has had far-reaching consequences, including physical and emotional suffering.

The Fall and Its Effects

The fall of humanity has led to a range of consequences, including physical suffering, emotional pain, and spiritual separation from God. In the context of mobility, we can see how sin has affected human bodies, making them prone to injury, disease, and degeneration. Our bodies are no longer perfect, and we are vulnerable to a range of physical limitations, including loss of mobility. This is not simply a matter of chance or bad luck, but rather a direct result of the fall. As the Bible teaches, our bodies are "subjected to futility" and are "groaning" in anticipation of their ultimate redemption (Romans 8:20-23).

Hope in Christ

While the consequences of sin are real, evangelical Christianity offers a message of hope in Christ. Through faith in Jesus, we can experience spiritual redemption and restoration, even in the midst of physical suffering. As the Bible teaches, "we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). In this sense, our experiences of suffering, including loss of mobility, can be seen as opportunities for growth, learning, and deepening our faith in God. While we do not celebrate suffering in and of itself, we can find hope and meaning in the midst of it, knowing that God is sovereign and is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Ultimately, our hope is not in our physical bodies or our abilities, but in the power and presence of Christ, who can redeem and restore us, even in the midst of suffering.