The soul: Mortal or Immortal?

Wow! So much was said! I will just use 1 scripture as to what the soul is- Genesis 2:7 says the organic material god formed from the ground [ dust ] BECAME a living soul- it didnt get one. Simple huh?

Yesterday at 02:33 AM Vladimir said this in Post #19

Try not to interprete verses torn out of context. If you look in other parts of the Bible, you'll see, that soul, for instance, can not be killed. Thus, term "living" by no means exclude "immortal". Where did you get that idea from?

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And how is that verse out of context. God breathed the breath of life into a body formed from dust and it came to life. Without the breath of life, it turns back into dust. If it is not "living" because of having the breath of life, then it is "non-living" or dead. When something is "mortal" is capable of dying, if something is "immortal" is not capable of dying.

As you have pointed out, the word "soul" can have several meanings.

The word "soul" is used in Scripture to denote the vital principal in animal bodies, and also the living creatures themselves, particularly, man. Psalms 40:14; Isaiah 53:10-12; 1 Samuel 18:1-3. It is practically synonymous with the word "life" (Matthew 16:26). Although occurring hundreds of times in the Old and New Testaments, in no case is it ever associated with the words "immortal", immortality", "eternal", "undying", "incorruptible", and like terms implying life without end.

On the contrary, its nature is characteristically temporal. It dies (Ezek. 18:4-20; Psalms 22:29; 33:19; 56:13; 78:50; 116:8; James 5:20; Revelation 16:3), can be killed or cut off (Exodus 12:15-19; 31:14; Lev. 7:25-27; 19:8; 22:3; Numbers 9:13; 15:30-31; 19:13-20), it goes to the grave (Job 33:18-22; Psalms 49:8-15) and can be utterly destroyed (Lev. 23:30; Josh. 10:28-39; 11:11).

In the face of all these facts, many people, unacquainted with the Bible usage of the word, think that the soul is immortal, that it cannot die, that it goes to heave, or lives forever in hell. To support this idea Genesis 35:18; 1 Kings 17:21 and Job 14:22 are sometimes quoted. But these verses do not even suggest such a thought. Here is an example of assuming that the word "soul" means an immortal soul. It simply refers here, as usual, to the life. We should probably say, instead (Gen. 35:18), "as her life was ebbing out", or (1 Kings 17:21), "Let this child's life return."

Yes, TruthorApostasy, as you say, it's that simple.

Also, Vladimir, it's spelled "resurrection". Just thought you would like to know.

*cough* Mod may delete this post

The idea that the soul of itself is immortal is rooted in Platonic thought. However, taking into account that God has joined mankind to Himself in the incarnation of the Son of God literally makes humanity a "new creation". The question now is can mankind, after being joined to God in Jesus Christ, ever not exist?

Of course this brings into the discussion, if desired, the whole reason why God joined Himself to us and what is the consequence of that joining. I won't go into the discussion on that unless there is interest.


Ragman

Without the breath of God, which returns to him when we die, how can a soul be immortal?

 

Gen 2:7 And Jehovah God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

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Ecc 3:19 For that which happens to the sons of men also happens to beasts, even one thing happens to them. As this one dies, so that one dies; yea, they all have one breath; so that a man has no advantage over a beast; for all is vanity.

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Psa 104:29 You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust.

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1Thes. 5:23 - do not confound "soul" and "spirit"

I believe that the soul of man is immortal. it will go on forever, either in heaven or hell. there are others though, that believe that the soul of man is only immortal through God, so if they sin and don't repent and don't accept Jesus Christ into their lives, their soul dies.

30th March 2003 at 03:34 AM drmmjr said this in Post #22


And how is that verse out of context. God breathed the breath of life into a body formed from dust and it came to life. Without the breath of life, it turns back into dust. If it is not "living" because of having the breath of life, then it is "non-living" or dead. When something is "mortal" is capable of dying, if something is "immortal" is not capable of dying.

As you have pointed out, the word "soul" can have several meanings.

The word "soul" is used in Scripture to denote the vital principal in animal bodies, and also the living creatures themselves, particularly, man. Psalms 40:14; Isaiah 53:10-12; 1 Samuel 18:1-3. It is practically synonymous with the word "life" (Matthew 16:26). Although occurring hundreds of times in the Old and New Testaments, in no case is it ever associated with the words "immortal", immortality", "eternal", "undying", "incorruptible", and like terms implying life without end.

On the contrary, its nature is characteristically temporal. It dies (Ezek. 18:4-20; Psalms 22:29; 33:19; 56:13; 78:50; 116:8; James 5:20; Revelation 16:3), can be killed or cut off (Exodus 12:15-19; 31:14; Lev. 7:25-27; 19:8; 22:3; Numbers 9:13; 15:30-31; 19:13-20), it goes to the grave (Job 33:18-22; Psalms 49:8-15) and can be utterly destroyed (Lev. 23:30; Josh. 10:28-39; 11:11).

In the face of all these facts, many people, unacquainted with the Bible usage of the word, think that the soul is immortal, that it cannot die, that it goes to heave, or lives forever in hell. To support this idea Genesis 35:18; 1 Kings 17:21 and Job 14:22 are sometimes quoted. But these verses do not even suggest such a thought. Here is an example of assuming that the word "soul" means an immortal soul. It simply refers here, as usual, to the life. We should probably say, instead (Gen. 35:18), "as her life was ebbing out", or (1 Kings 17:21), "Let this child's life return."

Yes, TruthorApostasy, as you say, it's that simple.

Also, Vladimir, it's spelled "resurrection". Just thought you would like to know.

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 {{{ VERY WELL PUT! How could anyone read your post, look up the scriptures and still believe  in an immortal soul? Well thought out post and just scriptures too, not a bunch of quotes from historians, scholars, etc. The bible is very clear, if a persons mind is not already made up before he reads what it says. Most, called "christians" grew up hearing that the soul is immortal, so, they can not "see or hear" differently. Mark 4:12

30th March 2003 at 04:01 AM pace said this in Post #23

*cough* Mod may delete this post

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I'm glad you recognize the valuelessness of your post, that you would expect it to be removed. You apparantly have no counter arguement for his fine post.