14. The Immortality of the Soul

Perhaps no other subject intrigues us as much as speculation on what lies beyond the grave. Does our soul live on? Do we return in a different form? Do we make a long journey to some distant paradise? Each culture and each age has had its own beliefs regarding life or existence beyond the grave.

The Bible gives us definite answers to the questions we have regarding life after death. It specifically states that the evil will be banished to hell eternally while the good will enjoy eternal life with God. But can we ever be sure that we are good, or that we are good enough? It is through the blood of Christ that God can see us as good. By Christ's blood we have a sure hope of eternal life.

The denial of the resurrection naturally leads to a denial of an immortal soul. And to deny that the soul is immortal lets one believe that he or she will not have to worry about an hereafter or an accounting to a "god." Thus this chapter serves as an excellent bridge between the last chapter and the one to follow.

What does the Bible have to say about the soul in the following selections:

Ecclesiastes 12:7--

Luke 23:43--

Luke 23:46--

Acts 7:59--

2 Corinthians 5:8--

Matthew 17:1-13--

Mark 9:2-13--

Luke 9:28-36--

Philippians 1:12-30

Genesis 2:7--

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18--

What does the Transfiguration reveal to us about the immortality of the soul?

Read Genesis 3:6. What insight does Jesus give us about this passage? (Matthew 22:31-32; Mark 12:26,27; Luke 16:19-31; Luke 20:37,38)

What was unique about Enoch and Elijah? How do they demonstrate to us that our soul is immortal?

For Discussion

If you were to die tonight, where would you go? Explain.

If God asked you why he should let you into heaven, what would your response be?

What are some beliefs (ancient or present) about the "hereafter"? Are they scriptural or not? What do these beliefs lead to?

Finish the sentence: If my soul is not immortal, then it would mean...

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