The biggest loser!

Various authors

(You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text below.)
 

Mark 8:36-37, "What will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"

In these piercing questions, our Lord unveils the supreme value of the soul. The allure of temporal gain presses upon every heart--wealth, honor, pleasure, success. Yet all these glittering trifles shrink into nothing in comparison with the eternal realities of Heaven and Hell.

There is no question more sobering, no consideration more urgent, than this:
What will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?

1. The loss of one's immortal soul is a FOOLISH loss. To pursue momentary pleasures or earthly ambitions, at the expense of our eternal well-being, is utter folly. How absurd to exchange immortal joy, for momentary frivolities!

Jesus here lays bare the supreme folly of living for earthly gain, while neglecting eternal realities. To lose one's immortal soul is the most foolish loss a person can suffer. Men barter their eternal souls for fleeting pleasures, temporary riches, or the applause of the world. They trade eternal glory, for perishing trifles. This is sheer madness!

2. The loss of one's immortal soul is a TRAGIC loss, for the soul is man's most precious possession. Those who die without Christ, awake to a hopeless and eternal existence in Hell, under the righteous wrath of God. There is no tragedy greater than this.

3. The loss of one's immortal soul is an IRREVERSIBLE loss. Once the judgment is rendered, the door of mercy closes forever. No tears, no second chances, no bargaining will avail them. "It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this comes judgment" (Hebrews 9:27).

4. The loss of one's immortal soul is an IMMEASURABLE loss. What price could compensate for exclusion from the glories of Heaven? What profit could balance the sorrow of a lost soul? All the combined wealth, pleasure, power, and fame of this world--cannot begin to equal the worth of a single soul. To lose one's soul, is to lose everything.

5. The loss of one's immortal soul is an IRREPLACEABLE loss. A man may lose his health and regain it. He may lose his fortune and rebuild it. But once he loses his soul, there is no recovery, no restoration. The soul is eternal, and once lost, is lost forever. Heaven's glory is inestimable! Hell's anguish is unutterable!

6. The loss of one's immortal soul is an INEXCUSABLE loss. We have been warned by countless voices:
God has spoken through His Word.
He has called through His servants.
He has revealed Himself through conscience and creation.
No excuse will stand in the day of judgment.

Friend, pause and consider: You may gain the world, but if you lose your soul, then you are the biggest loser--for your loss is eternal. Flee to Jesus for salvation while there is time. Nothing matters more than the eternal destiny of your soul.

Sovereign Lord, grant me the grace to see the infinite value of my soul. May I consider everything a loss, compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Him!

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We have published John Kent's (1766-1843) beautiful hymn, "The Everlasting Love of God". You will want to read the lyrics beneath the video, as you listen to it.