An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality

"An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality" by James Challis is a theological examination written in the late 19th century. The text explores the concept of immortality as it is presented in Christian scripture, offering a critical analysis of how this doctrine is understood in both the Old and New Testaments. Challis seeks to clarify the relationship between righteousness, mortality, and the promise of eternal life as revealed in the scripture. At the start of the essay, Challis reflects on the surprising nature of the term "immortality," considering its limited occurrence in the Canonical Scriptures, particularly in the context of mortality and decay. He argues that a true understanding of immortality must come through divine revelation, which shows the means by which the spirit of man attains immortal existence. He lays the groundwork for his argument by discussing varying philosophical perspectives on immortality, contrasting them with the Scriptural teachings that emphasize the need for divine understanding of the human condition to grasp the concept fully. This sets the stage for his forthcoming exploration into the ways Scripture addresses death, resurrection, and the covenant of eternal life.