By

Shelby G. Floyd

The sole goal of most people today is how much profit they can accumulate of this world’s goods and riches.

The Worth of the Soul
Jesus taught that we should value our soul over everything else in this world: “Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul’” (Matthew 16:26 NKJV)? According to Christ there is no profit if one could gain the whole world (which is impossible), and then end up losing one’s soul.

What is the soul of man that Jesus is talking about? The word “soul” is translated from [ψυχη-psuche]. This word in Classical Greek literally refers to our “breath of life” without which we would be dead. By extension it refers to “the (human) soul in so far as it is constituted that by the right use of the aids offered it by God it can attain its highest end and secure eternal blessedness, the soul regarded as a moral being designed for everlasting life” (Thayer, p. 677). An example of this use is Hebrews 13:17 where the overseers watch out for the souls in the congregation.

The Soul Survives Death
In many passages of scripture the soul refers to that part of man which is not dissolved by death, and is distinguished from the body. In this sense Jesus warned, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28, NIV).

Each person had better wake up and take care of their own soul. Our soul will live forever. Our soul will have no end and is either destined for eternal joy or woe.

Christ Died For the Soul

The soul of man cost God the price of the life and blood of his unique Son: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NIV).

God has revealed his plan of salvation to redeem the soul of man from the ravages of Satan and sin. Sinner friend, take the time to learn the conditions of salvation and act thereupon in obedience. Trust and obey!

Copyright © 2016 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved

Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142