What Does The Bible Say About The Soul? One might ask, “what is the human soul?” Although the Bible is not perfectly clear as to the nature of the human soul, it provides elements of answers to this question. On several occasions, the word soul is used in the Bible. According to the Bible, the human soul is that part of a person that is not physical. In other words, it is the part of every human being that continues to exist even after the body experiences death. The death of Rachel, Jacob’s wife is described in Genesis 35:18. The Scripture tells us that she named her son “as her soul was departing.” This is a clear indication from the Scriptures that the soul is different from the body. In addition, it continuous to live even after physical death.
It is important to understand that the human soul is central to the person-hood of a human being. It was with a good understanding of this that George MacDonald said, “You don’t have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.” This makes it clear that person-hood is not based on having a body. Rather, a soul is what is required to make us talk of person-hood. On several occasions in the Bible, people are referred to as “souls” (Exodus 31:14; Proverbs 11:30). Note that people are refereed to as “souls” especially in contexts that focus on the value of human life and the concept of “whole being” (Psalm 16:9-10; Ezekiel 18:4; Acts 2:41; Revelation 18:13).
What Does The Bible Say About The Soul?
What does the Scriptures say about the Human Soul?
The Scriptures inform us that the human soul is different from the heart (Deuteronomy 26:16; 30:6), and the spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12). Also, we are informed that it is different from the mind (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27). According to the Scriptures, the human soul is created by God (Jeremiah 38:16). The Scriptures further tell us that the human soul can be strong or unsteady (2 Peter 2:14). Also, it can be lost or saved (James 1:21; Ezekiel 18:4). According to Leviticus 17:11, the human soul needs atonement. The soul is that part of us that is redeemed by the Holy Spirit through the work of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:22). Behold, Jesus Christ is the greatest shepherd of souls (1 Peter 2:25). Today, anyone who Believes, Sincerely Repents, and starts obeying the Key Teachings of Jesus Christ is saved from Hell and given Eternal Life.
The Bible teaches us that it is only in Jesus Christ that we can turn and find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:29). In Psalm 16:9-10 which happens to be a Messianic psalm, we perceive that Jesus Christ also had a soul. Concerning this, King David wrote, “Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” Note that this cannot be speaking of David (as pointed out by Apostle Paul in Acts 13:35-37). Remember that David’s body did see corruption and experienced decay when he died. As for Jesus Christ, His body did not see corruption. Also, He Resurrected body and soul. That is, His body was not abandoned to Sheol. Although you might find it difficult to accept, Jesus, as the Son of Man, has a soul.
Human Spirit Vs Human Soul
Today, many find it difficult to differentiate between the human soul and the human spirit. That is, when it comes to the human spirit vs. human soul, there is often confusion. On several occasions, Scripture seems to use the terms interchangeably. However, it seems that there is a subtle difference between these two terms. If this was not the case, how could the Word of God penetrate “even to dividing soul and spirit” (Hebrews 4:12)? Here, it is important to understand that each time that the Bible makes mention of man’s spirit, it is usually pointing to an inner force that directs or animates a person to some particular direction, way of thinking, or doing. Often, the human spirit is portrayed as a mover, a dynamic force (Numbers 14:24).
What you should know about the Soul
According to the Scriptures, there are only two things that last: the Word of God (Mark 13:31) and the souls of human beings. The soul, just like God’s Word is an imperishable thing. With this in mind, we can say without doubt that each person on Earth is an eternal soul. That is, every human being that has ever lived is a soul, and all such souls are currently existing somewhere. One might ask , “where?” Behold, all souls that reject God’s love which was manifested through the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross at Calvary are condemned to pay for their own sin, eternally, in Hell (Romans 6:23). On the other hand, souls that acknowledge their sinful natures and embrace God’s gracious nature of forgiveness through Christ are set apart for eternal life in God’s presence, where they shall rejoice and live without lack (Psalm 23:2).
Six (6) Facts about the Soul
1. We are immortal living souls (Luke 16:19-31)
We know of two realities in the universe: the immaterial, unseen, spiritual realm and the physical, visible, material world. It is in this light that we say that the soul does exist and we, in fact, are living souls. That is, we live even when our bodies die.
2. Souls animate bodies (1 Kings 17:19-23)
Perhaps you were not aware, but the soul animates the body. As long as we live, our souls dwell in our bodies. But once we die, our souls move out and continue existing. The body on its own cannot live without the soul. However, when a soul returns to a lifeless body, the body is said to be “revived” or one that has “risen from the dead.” Always keep in mind that we are living souls, and because we are living souls, are souls are “seen” in this physical world when they are united with, and animating, our bodies.
3. Souls return to God (Luke 16:19-31)
It is important to understand that the spiritual world is the realm of God. As living souls, we are spiritual beings. Hence, when the time comes for us to no longer dwell in the physical world, we will be taken to the spiritual world where God reigns mightily.
4. Souls are active (Matthew 17:1-3)
One is more likely to think that after our bodies die, our souls will remain inactive or in a state of dormancy till the day of resurrection. However, it is believed that in the time between our physical death and resurrection during the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, we’ll be active and available for God (Ecclesiastes 12:5-7).
5. Souls interact (Luke 16-19-31)
In the spiritual realm, souls are aware of each other. In addition, they are able to fellowship and communicate with each other. However, in Heaven and Hell are separate spiritual realms. Up to date, we haven’t yet found Biblical evidence to support the idea that we’ll have awareness or interaction with the physical world after our physical death on Earth.
6. Souls have experiences (Luke 16:19-31)
Due to the fact that our souls are alive, they share some characters that are commonly held by physically living persons. It is this ability that makes it possible for the soul to be able to experience great joy and great torment.
7. Souls are subject to God’s judgement (John 11:17-26)
Behold, physical death is not the end of our lives. Note that God has total control over our true lives (that as living souls). Also, our final death does not depend on our body but our relationship with God through Jesus Christ, the Perfect Lamb that takes away the sin of the world. For more info, read our write-up on the Best Bible Verses About The Day Of Judgement.
What The Bible Says About The Soul
Jeremiah 6:16 – “This is what the Lord says: Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it,and you will find rest for your souls.But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”
Matthew 16:26 – “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?”
Psalm 62:1 – “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.”
Deuteronomy 4:29 – “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.”
Psalm 103:1 – “Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.”
Psalm 139:13-14 – “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” <