Matthew 16:26 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? A problem that deserves the study of the longest life. The best medium through which to view this all important question is the following verse. In this light I view this great question, and what do I see? I. THAT WE HAVE IN OUR POSSESSION A JEWEL CALLED THE SOUL, ASTONISHING IN ITS PROPERTIES, AND INESTIMABLE IN ITS VALUE. The soul is — (1) Divine in its origin; (2) astonishing in its properties — vitality, rationality, accountability; (3) an immortal principle; (4) has fallen from its glory; (5) has been redeemed by Christ; (6) angels rejoice over its salvation. II. THE POSSIBILITY OF THAT SOUL BEING LOST, THE LOSS WILL BE INEXPRESSIBLY GREAT. 1. What is the loss of a lost soul? The loss of grace in time. Glory in eternity. III. THE CHARACTERS WHO, IF THEY DIE AS THEY ARE, WILL SUFFER AND ENDURE THIS FEARFUL LOSS. "Is it I?" If you are living in open sin, etc., it is you. Have you repented, believed in Christ, etc.? Look at this matter in the light of the judgment day, and. read Matthew 25. IV. THE INDESIRABLE, INEXPRESSIBLE, INCONCEIVABLE FOLLY OF THE MAN THAT BARTERS AWAY HIS SOUL — get what he will in exchange, riches, honours, pleasures, etc. V. THE WISDOM OF THAT MAN WHO IS DETERMINED TO HAVE HIS SOUL SAVED — COST WHAT IT WILL. VI. THAT NEXT TO THE SALVATION OF OUR OWN SOULS, IT IS OUR HIGHEST DUTY AND BEST INTEREST TO PROMOTE THE SALVATION OF OTHERS. (W. Dawson). Parallel Verses KJV: 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? |
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