Those are the only choices Jesus offers in this passage, and the only two presented in all the Bible. Lose everything I am in the world, to follow Jesus and be eternally saved, or keep everything I am in the world, to serve myself, and lose my own soul forever in the end. In the end, each person must choose between one of only two options (John 14:6). The problem is that such earthly success can only last until death comes and raises the question of the soul persisting, and entering into eternal death. Perhaps they will even gain the whole world for themselves. Jesus' question allows for the fact that they may be quite successful in the world's terms. Those who refuse self-sacrifice can live for themselves. No-one has reached a point where they can say ‘my soul is fully saved’ but it’s being. The spirit-man is saved instantaneously, yet the salvation of our soul is an ongoing process. The soul however is being restored and renewed as we meditate on God’s word. It will "cost" them everything, but what is given up is temporary and relatively worthless. In conclusion, our spirit-man is recreated when we’re ‘born-again.’. In other words, they must give up every ounce of their own agenda, totally submitting to the will of God and His purposes. They must be willing to deny their own wants and preferences, taking up their crosses as He is doing, and will soon do in a very literal sense. Jesus has said that those who follow Him must willingly sacrifice themselves in every way. We taught our children what a soul is using these words: I have a soul. It’s the seat of your memory, feelings, imagination, convictions, desires, and affections. Your soul is your lifeall that makes you the person you are. What is the ultimate benefit to someone who acquires everything the world could ever possibly offer, only to spend an eternity suffering in separation from God? What is a soul worth? What should a man give in return for the saving of his soul? This is the ultimate question. Jesus is saying, You have a soul and your soul is of great value. In the form of two questions, Jesus leaves those who will hear Him with only two alternatives. That is Jesus' bottom-line declaration in this passage (Matthew 16:24–25) and in this verse. I grant you that education is in itself an exceedingly valuable thing, so valuable that I am sure the whole Christian church rejoices greatly that at last we. You can keep your earthly interests, or you can save your soul.
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