The Value Of Your Soul
"For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26). This verse is often used to teach the worthlessness of material possessions. And that is certainly a fair application. But looking at Jesus’ words from another perspective, Matthew 16:26 also teaches the value of your soul. The value of your soul exceeds the value of all the wealth in the world. What makes your soul so valuable? First, your soul is valuable because of its workmanship. We readily recognize the fact that the value of a product is determined in large part by who made the product. Certain paintings often demand a higher price because they are the products of particular well-known artists. A dress may be valuable because it is the product of a famous designer. Your soul is valuable because it is a product of God. Before man was created, God said, "Let us make man in our image" (Genesis 1:26). David wrote, "I will praise thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well" (Psalm 139:4). Second, your soul is valuable because of its durability. When we go shopping for a particular item we often have the opportunity to choose between different brands or models of the item. We expect to pay more for one that will last a long time compared to a cheaper model that will be worn out in a shorter amount of time. Your physical body may grow old and decay, but your soul will last forever. Solomon wrote, "Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was, and the spirit unto God who gave it" (Ecclesiastes 12:7). Third, your soul is valuable because of its rarity. Certain collector’s items, such as rare baseball cards or phonograph records, are valuable because they are not very many of them in existence. When an item can be found in greater quantity it has a lesser value. Your soul is valuable because of its rarity. Yes, it’s true there are many souls. But there is only one soul like yours. Fourth, your soul is valuable because of its desirability. Businessmen have often referred to this principle as the law of supply and demand. If there is no desire, or demand, for a particular item, that item has no value. Your soul is valuable because it is loved and desired by God. Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). God desires for all of us to spend eternity with him in heaven. Peter wrote, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness, but is long-suffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (II Peter 3:9). God has done everything he can do to make it possible for you to be in heaven. He demonstrated his love for you by giving his son in order that your sins can be forgiven. God has given you the Bible so that you can learn what he wants you to do. Jesus has done everything he can to make it possible for you to have a home in heaven. Jesus’ sinless life on earth serves as an example for you. Jesus gave his life so that your sins can be forgiven. Now what must you do in order to have a home in heaven? You must believe that Jesus is God’s son (Mark 16:16). You must repent of your sins (Acts 2:38). You must confess your belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Matthew 10:32-33). You must be baptized to receive the forgiveness of your sins (Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38). You must then live a life of faithfulness to God (Revelation 2:10). Remember, you soul is valuable for a number of reasons! "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26). [return to Sermon Articles]
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