Counsels on Future Life

Counsel #4 — The Mortal Soul

Picture: Counsel #4 — The Mortal Soul CFL 6.1

The separation of the soul from the body, a concept known as dualism, stems largely from the writings of the Greek philosophers Plato, Aristotle, and the Stoics. But does the Bible teach that the soul is immortal? Does the body remain in the grave but the soul live on eternally in heaven or hell?^[4] CFL 6.2

The terms “soul” and “spirit” occur in the Bible more than 1600 times, but never in association with the words “immortal” or “immortality.” Until God grants eternal life to His people when they are resurrected at His second coming (1 Corinthians 15:51-54), human beings are mortal. CFL 6.3

“[Christ] alone has immortality, dwelling in an unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:16 NKJV CFL 6.4

“Many will be ensnared through the belief that spiritualism is a merely human imposture; when brought face to face with manifestations which they cannot but regard as supernatural, they will be deceived, and will be led to accept them as the great power of God.” Ellen G. White in The Great Controversy, p. 553 CFL 6.5

Reflect: Armed with biblical knowledge of the true state of the dead, how will you respond to Satan’s attempt to deceive you? CFL 6.6