What If You Gain The Whole World?

Jesus answered in one question what the real meaning of life is. Jesus said, “For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his soul, or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26). We were all born to answer this one question and this one question only: All else in this life is worthless except for the soul within you and I.

The Soul of Man

The scriptures inform us that “God formed man out of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul” (Gen. 2:7). Solomon said in Ecc. 3:21, “Who knows the spirit of man that Goes upward and the spirit of the beast that goes downward to the earth?” Jesus summed it up when he said, “And fear not them who are able to kill the body and are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both body and soul in hell.” Mt. 10:28 Peter said, “Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls unto him in well doing as unto a faithful creator” (1 Pet. 4:19). The Hebrew writer said  “We are riot of them that draw back unto perdition, but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.” Heb. 10:39:  James said that the body without the spirit is dead (Jas. 2:26). So, we can see that the Bible teaches that man does have a soul or spirit, and that the body without the spirit is dead. Every man under the sun, evil or righteous, has an immortal soul which is of greater value than all the possessions of the world, though all combined.

Who Values Your Soul?

The Devil is deeply interested in every soul of the earth. However, remember what kind of an interest it is that the Devil has in our soul. When God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the garden of Eden, an earthly paradise, Satan had no rest until he had tempted and seduced them into sinning in order that he might destroy their happiness. When Job and his sons were living charitably and happy, he assailed them with much wickedness. He even tempted Jesus Christ by offering him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them. Mt 4:1-11 The Devil’s interest in our soul is that he might destroy our soul in hell. He is offering short time glory for long time pain.

The soul has such value that the angels have interest in it. Jesus said, “See that ye despise not one of these little ones: for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 18:10). Paul said, in referring to the angels, “Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation” (Heb. 1:14). Christ again said, “Even so, I say unto you, that there is joy in the presence of angels of God over one sinner that repents” (Luke 15:10).

Again the soul of man is shown to be of great worth because of the supreme interest which God has shown in it. The reason for God’s interest in man’s soul seems only to be because the soul is created in the image of God. God said, “Let us make man in our image and after our likeness” (Gen. 1:26).  God gave His only Son that man’s soul might be redeemed from eternal destruction. Jn 3:16  One is not willing to give his only begotten son for any cause unless it has great value to him. The Lord wants us to preserve that valuable soul which He has given us, so He gave His only begotten Son in order that we might do it. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering to you-ward, not wishing’ that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9).

Also the human soul is of greatest value, because of how much Christ was willing to give for its salvation. When one has given his life for a cause there remains nothing more that he can give. Jn 15:13 He has given all. “Hereby know we love, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our life for our brethren” (1 Jn. 3:16). Since Christ paid the greatest price to save our souls, they certainly must be of greatest value.

What are You Exchanging?

If we exchange our life for this world we will lose an eternity in heaven with God. God who can’t lie promised eternal life before the world began. Tit 1:2 If we win this life we lose the life to come. Mt 16:24-26 When we gain this life we get our heart’s desire but when this short life is over, we receive a punishment so violent that even Sodom and Gomorrah will look like a paradise. If we choose the life to come we must submit ourselves to the gospel of Christ and remain faithful unto death. We shall receive a fiery trial of persecution as we walk in the steps of the Savior. 1 Pet 4:12 f; 1 Pet 2:21  However, if we endure to the end, we shall leap for joy knowing that we have finished the course and kept the faith. 2 Tim 4:12

Sadly enough, most everyone on this planet will be spending their eternity in hell and damnation. A place where the worm never dies and the fire is unquenched. These were the last words of Isaiah and something said by Jesus 3 times. Isa 66:24 f; Mk 9:44,46,48 The receive such because they refuse to submit themselves to the righteousness of God. Rom 10:2,3 However, for the few who dare fight the good fight of faith and lay hold onto eternal life, salvation is not that far away. Yes, it may be terrible for them now and great for the wicked, but even as with Lazarus and the Rich man, soon the tables will be turned.

Conclusion: Is what you are exchanging for your eternal life worth it to you? Remember, life if but for a moment and then disappears forever. Jam 4:14 You won’t be coming back once God takes away your soul. Heb 9:27 f; Job 27:8 No matter how wealthy, healthy, famous or powerful you are here on earth, you won’t be taking any of it with you for we brought nothing into the world and it is certain we can carry nothing out_nothing that is, except your soul. 1 Tim 6:7

Perhaps you don’t understand that you have made an agreement to sell your soul to do evil, even as Ahab sold his soul. 1 Kin 21:20 In your life you will be presented with the gospel. If you are reading this article, that opportunity has come to you today. The gospel states Jesus died for your sins, was buried and arose again the third day. 1 Cor 15:1-4 If you believe this in your heart and are willing to confess it before men; Rom 10:9,10  And repent and be baptized for the remission of sin; Acts 2:38 And remain faithful until death, you shall be saved. Rev 2:10 If you reject the gospel, you will be judged by Christ according to this same gospel and shall be cast into outer darkness into burning hell forever and ever; There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Jn 12:48 f; 2 Thess 1:7-9 ; Mt 13:50 It’s your choice to make. It is what life is all about, choices. You have only one to make. Choose this life or the life to come. Today, if you will hear his voice, harden not your heart. Heb 3:7,8 Now is the accepted time. Now is the day of salvation. 2 Cor 6:2