249. MAR 6:6. THE LOSS OF THE SOUL AND GAIN OF THE WORLD CONTRASTED

Mar_6:6. The Loss of the Soul and Gain of the World Contrasted

PART II

Mar_8:36.

In the previous sketch we have contemplated the value of the soul, in the spirituality of its nature, the dignity of its faculties, the immortality of its existence, and from the manifestation of the infinite regards of God towards it. We have now,

I. To contemplate the Nature and Possibility of its Loss.

Let us, then consider,

1. What is meant by its loss.

Not its annihilation, as this would be the destruction of its immortality. But,

(1) Its exclusion from all felicity.

From all the light, and peace, and rest, and glory of heaven. From the society of perfected saints, angels, and God forever. It also includes,

(2) The infliction of the positive displeasure of God. Banishment into outer darkness. Everlasting chains. The undying worm. The terrible storm, and everlasting fire. "The wicked shall be turned into hell," &c. See an awfully graphic description, Luk_16:19-26.

Let us, then, inquire,

2. From whence arises the danger of the loss of the soul.

(1) The soul may be lost through daring infidelity. "The fool says in his heart, There is no God." Those who reject the word, the only chart, the only guide, must abide in darkness, and inevitably be lost. How many appalling scenes of dying infidels have been witnessed! Voltaire, &c.

(2) The soul may be lost through attachment to sinful pleasures. Revelling, wantonness, intemperance, and sensual lusts. These infatuate, corrupt, and fatten for the day of slaughter. Belshazzar, &c.

(3) The soul may be lost through the love of the world. The love of this world is idolatry. In opposition to spirituality of mind and love to God. Thorns which choke the seed. Awful instances in the young ruler and the rich fool.

(4) The soul may be lost through Pharisaic pride and self-righteousness. Creeds, professions, prayers, almsgivings, &c., are all false foundations of trust and hope. Jesus is the only basis, &c. "Except our righteousness exceed," &c. See foolish virgins. Man without a wedding-garment, &c.

(5) The soul may be lost through careless apathy. It is not necessary to be infidels, profane, &c., to be lost. Religion is a positive matter. A work. A warfare. A preparation for eternity. If we are careless, indolent, thoughtless, and supine, we shall assuredly perish. We must be diligent, vigilant, ready, &c. Or at last exclaim, "The harvest is past," &c.

Observe,

II. The momentous interrogation.

"What shall it profit a man if he gain the whole world," &c.

Consider,

1. The gain supposed.

"The whole world." The thing literally is impossible.

If it were, it could not be enjoyed. Or if enjoyed, could not make the soul of man happy. But suppose a man,

(1) Be elevated to the highest earthly dignity and greatness,

(2) Be favored with immense treasures and,

(3) Have the whole round of earthly pleasures at his command. Still he would be unhappy, yea, wretched, for fears would harass him, conscience torment him, afflictions come upon him, death overtake him, and all, all could be lost in the swellings of Jordan.

Now, then, notice,

2. The profit realized.

He has had the riches of earth, but lost the treasures of heaven. He has had the pleasures of the world, but has lost the joys of eternity. He has had the honors of men, but has received the everlasting contempt of God.

Then mark,

3. The awful loss sustained.

"Lost his own soul."

Now this is,

(1) A total loss. Loss of earth and heaven. Of body and soul. Of time and the joys of eternity. The loss of every thing.

(2) This loss is irreparable. Cannot be made up. No equivalent. Seed-time gone. Summer ended. Harvest past.

(3) This loss is eternal. The lake burns forever. The smoke ascends forever. It is everlasting blackness and punishment. Deathless, undying death. Endless wo. An impassable gulf.

Application

1. Let the soul have the first and chief care.

2. Sacrifice all that renders its salvation doubtful.

3. Think of heaven. Seek a title for it. Meetness, &c. Live for it; pray for it; hope for it, &c. Be zealous and intensely earnest for eternal life. Reply to every suggestion from men, or from the wicked one, "What shall it profit," &c.

4. Remember, "Now is the accepted time" &c.

5 Only one way of escape from the wrath to come. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS