What does the Bible say about the soul and eternal existence?

According to Scripture, the soul is an eternally created part of humanity that will exist forever, regardless of the condition of the body. Ezekiel 18:4 emphasizes that all souls belong to God, and Ecclesiastes 12:7 reveals that upon death, the soul returns to God for judgment. While the body may perish, the soul's existence continues, facing either eternal life or eternal damnation. Jesus underscores the gravity of this fate in Mark 9:43-48, warning of hell's unquenchable fire. Thus, the state of one’s soul is critically significant for every human being, leading to eternal consequences.