Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (ESV)
As the apostle Paul states in today’s Scripture, the Bible describes people as having a body, soul, and spirit. In this blog we will review a few scriptures which highlight the soul.
From the Biblical summary aspect, your soul involves the mental aspects, emotional attitudes, and character willpower of your personhood. Your soul is the governing operating side of your body and defense system against the spiritual influences which surround you.
Every human being is born with a soul and every soul belongs to God. As written in Ezekiel 18:4, Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine. Every person born is precious in HIS sight. For every child’s soul has the opportunity to grow up into the image of her heavenly Dad. And every grown child’s purpose is to be prepared for eternity. For from the foundation of the world, Father God’s plan is to birth humanity for the sole purpose of rearing a heavenly family to rule and minister in HIS global kingdom in the new age (Mt 25:34, Rev 5:10).
The basic building block of rearing a healthy soul begins with the Word of God. James the brother of Jesus, wrote: Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21). And again, the writer of Hebrews emphasizes the importance of using the Word of God to help determine the best course of action for your soul (Hebrews 4:12).
And contrary to public opinion, the soul is not immortal. Jesus stated that the soul could die, And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell (Matthew 10:28). In other words, people can destroy your body, but only God can put an end to your inner soul. However, we have a part to play in how our soul matures.
Jesus states that instead of emotional roller coaster rides we can find rest for our soul. In Matthew’s gospel, Jesus states – Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls (Matthew 11:29). Yet to do so, one must first be responsible and accountable to Jesus. Life is a learning process preparing you and I for eternity. For those who accept God’s purpose, we learn to master the art of godly living now which we will live out as a witness now and into the future. Isaiah even wrote in the old testament while dealing with personal challenges, my soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness (Isaiah 26:9)
And again, in the old testament, God states how HE is concern for the health of our souls. In Jeremiah 31:25, For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” And again, the psalmist in 19:7 wrote, the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
In our culture today, we place heavy emphasis on maintaining the physical body and science tries to explain the psychology of a person apart of God. However, when one better understand the importance of the role the soul plays in the whole person, and understands the purpose and endgame of the soul, life’s priority shifts. God becomes more important and HIS purpose gives meaning to life.
As a parent rears a child preparing her for adulthood, God likewise prepares HIS children for an eternal role in HIS kingdom and family. He cares for your soul and works to discipline us whenever necessary so we grow up able to manage the challenges life throws our way. Not only in this life, but in the world tomorrow when we have proven to HIM, we can be and act responsibly and trustfully as good stewards of what he bestows on us. If he is going to give us authority over others in the next world, HE wants to be sure we are made ready before then.
The body is needed to carry the soul for the soul is the driving force behind the body. And more importantly, the soul is the intangible matter one will take with them from this life. The sum total of your mental consciousness, character, and emotional attitude developed and exercised in this life will be the starting point when we crossover into a new body at the resurrection. This is why Jesus emphasized the importance of the soul:
For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? (Matthew 16:26)
When your soul is built upon God’s righteousness and holiness, you experience life the way God intended one to fully live.
Next, we will explore the role of the body and spirit which along with your soul make up you, the person.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Encourager & Author of e-Books
* Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
* Great Business Emulates a Good God
* Be Radical…Follow Christ!
* Simply The Messenger
* Unequally Married
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