In a world that tells us what we see is all there is, the church must continue to tell a different story—one that stretches from creation to eternity. At the center of that story is the human soul.
Whether you’re a pastor, small group leader, or simply someone trying to live out your faith day by day, this truth matters deeply: we are eternal beings, made in the image of God, called to live—and lead—with eternity in mind.
More Than a Body, More Than a Moment
From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture presents a consistent picture: we are not just bodies with a spiritual side—we are souls, designed for relationship with our Creator and destined for eternity. God didn’t just animate dust when He made us. He breathed life into us. That breath—the spirit, the soul—is what makes us unique.
This isn’t just theological theory. It has everything to do with how we disciple others, how we pastor our people, and how we live out the gospel in a culture that worships the temporary.
Discipleship Begins With Worldview
If we want to raise up mature disciples, we must first help them see life through the right lens—a biblical worldview. That means helping people understand the nature of the soul, the reality of eternity, and the consequences of sin and salvation.
Too often, even in the church, we encounter a mix of beliefs—reincarnation, universalism, vague spirituality—that sound nice but lack the grounding of God’s Word. As leaders and disciplers, we have a responsibility to teach truth clearly and courageously.
This isn’t just about theology. It’s about shaping lives. Because what someone believes about eternity will determine how they live today.
If we want to raise up mature disciples, we must first help them see life through the right lens—a biblical worldview. Share on X
The Soul Is Real—And Science Is Catching Up
Interestingly, even the scientific world is starting to crack the door open on what believers have long understood. Research on consciousness, near-death experiences, and brain function is pointing to realities that can’t be explained by biology alone.
But we don’t need modern studies to know what’s true. Jesus Himself made it clear: the soul lives on. And where it goes matters.
In Luke 16, He told a story about two men—one rich, one poor. When they died, their souls continued on—one to comfort, the other to torment. This wasn’t metaphor. It was a vivid glimpse into spiritual reality.
As leaders, we must not shy away from these truths. We must teach them. And as disciples, we must live like they’re real.
“What someone believes about eternity will determine how they live today.” Share on X
Why Eternity Changes Everything
If we truly believe we are eternal beings, it changes the way we:
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Grieve—with hope, not despair.
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Serve—investing in what lasts, not just what’s visible.
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Teach—preaching with urgency and compassion.
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Disciple—training people to think eternally, not just morally.
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Live—anchored in Christ, not tossed by culture.
Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4 that “what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” That’s not just encouragement for hard times. It’s a discipleship framework. It teaches us—and those we lead—to walk by faith, not by sight.
A Call to the Church
We don’t disciple just for better behavior or stronger marriages. We disciple because souls are eternal, and the stakes are high. Heaven is real. So is hell. And Jesus made a way for every person to experience life with Him—forever.
Let’s not assume people know this. Let’s teach it. Let’s live it. Let’s form communities of faith that prioritize the eternal over the urgent and the soul over the surface.
Whether you’re preaching from a platform or leading a Bible study in your living room, you are shaping eternal lives. Never forget that.
So ask yourself:
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Do I have a biblical worldview of the soul and eternity?
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Am I helping others live in light of that reality?
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Am I leading with the long view in mind?
Because at the end of the day, discipleship is about preparing people—not just for life here, but for life forever.
This post was created from Jim Putman’s sermon “Unbelievable Eternity” – you can watch the entire sermon below:
