Where in the Bible does it say 'what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul'?

The phrase "what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul" is a profound and thought-provoking question posed by Jesus Christ. This statement is found in the Gospel of Matthew, specifically in Matthew 16:26. The verse reads: "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?" (ESV). Similar statements can also be found in Mark 8:36 and Luke 9:25, emphasizing its importance in the teachings of Jesus.

In the context of Matthew 16, Jesus is speaking to His disciples about the cost of discipleship. He has just foretold His own suffering and death and has called His followers to take up their cross and follow Him. Let's delve deeper into the context and meaning of this powerful statement.

Context and Meaning

In Matthew 16:24-27, Jesus addresses His disciples with a series of statements that highlight the paradox of the Christian life. He begins by saying, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it" (Matthew 16:24-25, ESV). Jesus is calling His followers to a life of self-denial and sacrifice, which stands in stark contrast to the pursuit of worldly success and material gain.

The question in verse 26 serves as a rhetorical device to reinforce the futility of prioritizing worldly wealth and achievements over spiritual well-being. To "gain the whole world" implies obtaining all the riches, power, and pleasures that the world has to offer. However, Jesus points out the ultimate cost of such a pursuit: the loss of one's soul. The soul, in biblical terms, represents the eternal, immaterial essence of a person, which is of immeasurable value. The implication is clear: no amount of worldly gain can compensate for the loss of one's eternal soul.

The Eternal Perspective

Jesus' teaching in this passage challenges His followers to adopt an eternal perspective. The world often promotes the idea that success, wealth, and power are the ultimate goals in life. However, Jesus presents a different paradigm. He emphasizes that true life is found not in the accumulation of material possessions but in a relationship with God and in living according to His will.

This eternal perspective is echoed throughout the New Testament. For example, in 1 John 2:15-17, the apostle John writes: "Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever" (ESV). John reinforces the idea that the things of this world are temporary and ultimately unsatisfying, while doing the will of God leads to eternal life.

The Value of the Soul

The question Jesus poses in Matthew 16:26 also highlights the incomparable value of the soul. In the eyes of God, each person's soul is of infinite worth. This is evident in the lengths to which God went to redeem humanity. John 3:16 famously states, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (ESV). The sacrificial death of Jesus on the cross underscores the immense value that God places on each individual soul.

The apostle Paul also speaks to the value of the soul in Romans 8:38-39, where he writes: "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (ESV). The love of God for His creation is so profound that nothing can separate us from it, further emphasizing the worth of our souls.

The Call to Discipleship

Returning to the context of Matthew 16, Jesus' call to take up one's cross and follow Him is a call to discipleship. It is an invitation to live a life that is countercultural and focused on eternal values rather than temporal ones. This call is not without cost, as Jesus makes clear. It involves self-denial, sacrifice, and a willingness to endure suffering for the sake of the gospel.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a well-known Christian theologian and martyr, wrote extensively about the cost of discipleship. In his book "The Cost of Discipleship," Bonhoeffer states, "When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die." This statement captures the essence of Jesus' teaching in Matthew 16. Following Jesus means dying to oneself and one's own desires in order to live for Him.

However, this call to discipleship is also a call to true life. Jesus promises that those who lose their life for His sake will find it. This paradoxical statement points to the reality that true fulfillment and purpose are found not in pursuing our own ambitions but in surrendering our lives to God. In doing so, we discover the abundant life that Jesus promises in John 10:10: "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly" (ESV).

Practical Implications

Understanding the meaning and implications of Matthew 16:26 has practical applications for our daily lives. It challenges us to evaluate our priorities and examine what we are living for. Are we seeking to gain the whole world at the expense of our souls? Are we placing our trust in material possessions, status, or achievements, or are we seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33)?

This verse also calls us to live with an eternal perspective. It reminds us that our time on earth is temporary and that our ultimate home is with God in eternity. As the apostle Paul writes in Philippians 3:20-21, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself" (ESV). Living with this eternal perspective shapes our choices, values, and actions.

Moreover, this teaching encourages us to invest in what is truly valuable: our relationship with God and the well-being of our souls. This involves spending time in prayer, studying God's Word, participating in Christian community, and living out our faith through acts of love and service. It means prioritizing spiritual growth and seeking to become more like Christ in our character and actions.

Conclusion

The question "What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?" is a powerful reminder of the eternal significance of our choices and priorities. Jesus' words in Matthew 16:26 challenge us to consider the true value of our souls and to live with an eternal perspective. They call us to a life of discipleship, self-denial, and sacrificial love, following the example of our Savior.

As we reflect on this verse, may we be inspired to seek first the kingdom of God, to invest in our relationship with Him, and to live in a way that honors the infinite worth of our souls. In doing so, we will discover the abundant and eternal life that Jesus promises to those who follow Him.