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Does Jesus Refer to an Immortal Soul in Matthew 10:28?
Bible Questions & AnswersThe Hebrew word nephesh (H5315), translated as soul, refers to a living, breathing creature, whether man or animal, and pertains to the life of any physical being. It simply means life, as seen in Leviticus 17:11, where the same word translated as life can also be rendered as soul, indicating that the soul of the flesh is in the blood. The concept of soul does not imply something immortal within a person or animal, and the Bible shows that a soul can perish, as Ezekiel states twice that the soul who sins shall die (Ezekiel 18:4, 20).
Taking It Through the Grave
Article by William R. GrayThe Hebrew word *nephesh* is significant in understanding the nature of life and being. Genesis 2:7 describes how God breathed the breath of life into man, and man became a living being, or *nephesh*, often translated as "creature" or "being" in newer translations. This term does not imply that man possesses a soul but rather that he is a living entity. *Nephesh* is also applied to animals in Genesis 1:20, to dead bodies in Numbers 9:6, and to the concept of dying in Job 11:20 and Jeremiah 15:9. Both humans and animals share a similar physio-chemical existence as living, breathing creatures, and both experience death in the same manner.
From Dust to Dust
CGG Weekly by John ReissThe composition of humanity reveals much about our nature. In Genesis 2:7, the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being. The Hebrew word for being is *nephesh*, and in Genesis 1 and 2, God inspired this same word four times to refer to birds, cattle, and every animal He created. Like the animals, we are composed of the same earthy elements. The New English Translation of Ecclesiastes 3:19 states that the fate of humans and the fate of animals are the same: as one dies, so dies the other; both have the same breath, and there is no advantage for humans over animals, for both are fleeting.
Is Your Soul Immortal?
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prevailing idea is that the soul is the indestructible part of a human being that lives on after death. The Bible reveals a different reality of life and death.
What Is the Second Death?
'Prophecy Watch' by David C. GrabbeThe second death is an event beyond physical death. It disproves the traditional heaven-hell and immortal soul doctrines, yet demonstrates God's perfect justice.
The Fifth Seal (Part One)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughFollowing the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse is the Fifth Seal, depicting souls under the altar crying out to God for vengeance. Here is what it means.
Defining the Human Mind
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)The Hebrews used metaphorical extensions such as the terms 'heart' and 'head' to refer to the repositories of the breath of life given to the human soul.
Lazarus and the Rich Man
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man is often held up as proof of the torments of an ever-burning hell. However, the rest of Scripture gives a clearer picture.
Back to Life (Part Five)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAll of us who are called by God are so precious in His sight that Jesus Christ, before we were even born, died for us, saving us from oblivion.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe numerous scriptural references to angelic beings indicate that the spiritual entities have tangible substance. God is not a universal nothingness.
Wind and God's Spirit
Sermon by Charles WhitakerGod controls the invisible wind—powerful or gentle—making it an ideal symbol for His Spirit. God's breathing life into Adam foreshadowed giving the Holy Spirit.
Imagining The Garden of Eden (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Garden of Eden was probably prepared or planted after Adam was created so he could see God at work, providing him an example of diligence and satisfaction.
In Him Was Life
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAlthough we have physical-chemical existence, we do not yet have God's quality of life. The key quality of eternal life is a vibrant relationship with God.
All Flesh Shall See the Salvation of God
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsMoral failure compounds when self-loathing sabotages happiness. Only atonement can turn this depression around, providing the comfort of mental and spiritual health.
Afflicting Our Souls
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughJesus taught that fasting is an internal, spiritual good work, done in the inner self. Any other kind of fasting has little or no spiritual value.
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen (Part Four)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe Arnoldists, Albigenses, Cathers, Waldensians, and the Lollards all had Sabbath-keepers in their ranks. Gradual syncretism is a pattern of church history.
Habakkuk: A Prophet of Faith (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsAll of God's people should be watchmen like Habakkuk, living continually by faith, discerning, listening to, and responding to God's instructions.