«What is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?» Matt. 16:26.
Profit is a powerful lever that moves almost everything. Man chases after profit by all means. On the altar of profit values, ideals, environment, and even human lives are sacrificed. In every transaction, all parties involved set their minds on what gain they might have. Who, though, has ever sat down to figure the profit or damage of his own soul?
The Bible--which is the Word of God--tells us that man is not only body. There is a spiritual entity inside the physical body that enables him to say «I» and thus distinguish himself from all other men. That spiritual entity is generally called «the soul,» and has infinite value because it is immortal.
Man, however, while pursuing gain in material things, pays very little, if any, attention to his soul and its basic need to be saved from sin and its eternal consequences. The Bible says: «All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God» Rom. 3:23. That means all men are sinners and need salvation. And man is not a sinner because he sins, but he sins because he is a sinner. Man is a sinner by birth.
But, sin leads to eternal punishment. The Bible is full of warnings, which do not allow for anyone to risk the possibility of going to hell. So, the question that naturally arises after what has been said thus far is, «how the sinner can be saved from sin and its present as well as eternal consequences? Is there salvation for him?»
The answer is «yes». There is salvation, there is liberation from sin, there is a Savior, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Who became the Son of Man also, in order to die on the Cross of Calvary and by His sinless blood pay the price and obtain eternal salvation for every sinner. The Bible says He was «The Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world» John 1:29. Yes, Jesus «bare our sins in his own body on the tree» 1 Pet. 2:24. And by His death and resurrection Jesus reconciled us to God and opened the way for every sinner, through repentance and faith on Him, to have access to the Throne of Grace and inherit eternal life. He is the only Savior, «Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved» Acts 4:12.
So, the Risen Lord calls every man to go to Him and receive salvation for his soul. No other mediator is necessary. We sinners can go straight to Christ. He also said: «Come unto me, all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest» Matt. 11:28. All you have to do is to believe that Jesus Christ is the only Savior of your soul. And when you believe that and trust Him, a miracle will take place in your heart, called «Regeneration,» by which, according to the Bible, you become «a new creature in Jesus Christ.» Then hell is definitely shut up for you and the door of access into the glorious presence of God stands wide-open before you. If you realize your sinfulness and lost condition, and by faith pass through that door, you shall be saved and inherit eternal life.
What you have read in this short message is all taken from the Bible; therefore true from start to finish. Perhaps this is the only or last opportunity God gives you to think about the future of your soul. Don't put it off! Tomorrow may be too late! Accept Christ as your personal Savior by faith now, for «Behold, now is the accepted time; Behold, now is the day of salvation.» 2 Cor. 6:2. Amen.
