Ep.1378: Do I Have an Immortal Soul? (Part I)
Digging into the Old Testament teaching on the nature of humanity
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CHAPTERS
Theme Scripture: Genesis 2:17
Are we as humans innately physical beings or spiritual beings? If physical, then our lives would by definition begin and end based upon their physical, tangible aspects. We would “come to life” when we are biologically alive, and we would cease to exist when our biology ceases to support life. If we are spiritual beings, then the biological part of the human equation would simply house the essence of that intangible spiritual existence.
The scriptural definition of the soul
The answer to this question rightfully begins by focusing on Old Testament teachings. Genesis 2:7, explains that humans became living beings through the combination of breath and body. This clearly indicates a physical nature rather than a spiritual one. The term "soul" (Hebrew: nephesh) is used to describe both humans and animals as breathing creatures.
Humanity’s superiority to animals
While this similarity may be surprising, Genesis gives us two strong distinctions between humans and animals. First, human beings were specifically created in God's image and the animals were not. Second, humanity was given dominion over all other creatures and over the earth. In spite of these privileges, we all know Adam sinned by disobeying God. The consequence of his disobedience was death, as outlined in Genesis 2:16-17. God explained that death meant man would return to nonexistence, dust to dust. This same death is a universal experience for all living creatures, as highlighted in Ecclesiastes 3:19-20.
Death equals an absence of activity
Man does not have an immortal soul. While this conclusion of death as a universal experience for all earthly creatures may be surprising, it does have a solid foundation. The fact is many scriptures emphasize a complete absence of activity in death. Ecclesiastes 9:10 describes the grave as devoid of work, knowledge or wisdom. Psalm 115:17 notes the silence of the dead, reinforcing that death is the absence of life rather than a continuation of existence. Ezekiel 18:4 emphatically states, "The soul who sins will die."
Conclusion
As Bible-believing Christinas, we must be careful to affirm the Old Testament's clear teaching that humans are mortal beings created to live on earth with the requirement of obedience. We do not possess an immortal soul. Without obedience, life is removed, and the soul becomes nonexistent. This examination provides a foundation for understanding life, death, and God's sovereignty, paving the way for Part II, which explores the New Testament teachings on this important subject.
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