The Biggest Loser. Mark 8, 36-37. What will a 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? First, 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 their eternal glory
for perishing trifles. This is sheer madness. Second, 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. Third, 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, the judgment. Hebrews 9.27. Fourth, 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. Fifth. The loss of one's immortal
soul is an irreplaceable loss. A man may lose his health and
regain it. He may lose 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. Sixth, 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.