But the issue is not only life and death but our existence before God and our being judged by him. All of us were sinners before him and worthy of condemnation.

The quote "But the issue is not only life and death but our existence before God and our being judged by him. All of us were sinners before him and worthy of condemnation." comes from Hans Urs von Balthasar, a Swiss Catholic theologian and philosopher known for his deep insights into Christian doctrine. In this statement, von Balthasar emphasizes the importance of judgment before God, framing it as a central issue that transcends just the physical realities of life and death. For von Balthasar, the ultimate question is not merely whether one lives or dies, but how one’s existence is evaluated in the presence of a righteous God.

Von Balthasar’s words reflect the Christian belief in the universal nature of sin and the need for divine judgment. According to Christian theology, all humans are born with the stain of sin and are, in their natural state, unworthy of salvation or eternal life. This is a core concept in the doctrine of original sin, which teaches that humanity’s separation from God through sin is a condition that must be reconciled through God’s grace and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

The statement also highlights the urgency of salvation and the role of repentance and redemption in the Christian faith. While humans are all considered sinners and deserving of condemnation, the possibility of salvation through Christ's atonement offers hope and a path toward forgiveness. Von Balthasar’s quote serves as a reminder that humanity’s relationship with God is not just a matter of living and dying, but about how one’s life aligns with God's will and how one responds to the opportunity for redemption.

Ultimately, von Balthasar's quote underscores the theological perspective that existence before God is the defining factor of human life. Life and death are important, but the spiritual reality of judgment by God is what truly matters in determining a person’s eternal fate. It serves as a call for reflection on the need for humility, repentance, and the pursuit of righteousness in the face of divine judgment.