The value of the human soul (man) is based on its creation and redemption by God.
The Creator
God is the Creator and the giver of life (Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 11:3). In the beginning of this world’s history, the Lord created Adam and Eve – the first parents. Moses wrote in the book of “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth” (Genesis 1:26,27). Being made in God’s image, humans have been given a value that exceeds anything else in creation.
God Himself formed man by His own hands: “And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2:7). Then, the Lord placed Adam and Eve in a perfect earth, where everything was planned for their welfare, happiness, and joy (Genesis 1:31).
The Redeemer
But the devil, in malice, tempted Adam and Eve and deceived them with his lies. And they broke God’s commandment and fell. Thus, sin entered the world (Genesis 3:1-6), bringing with it suffering and death (verses 16-19).
But praise His Name, because God values the human soul so much, He overruled the efforts of Satan to destroy the human race. And He promised to redeem His people (Genesis 3: 15). Love is the pre-eminent attribute of the Creator with respect to His creatures. It is the controlling force in the divine government. The Bible describes the Creator as “God is love” (1 John 4:8).
God planned a way of redemption to man. He sacrificed His only Son to pay the penalty of man’s sins. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). The human soul has a great value in God’s heart. Jesus tells us that gaining of the whole world is not a prize equal in value to the worth of man’s soul (Mark 8: 36–37)
Through God’s sacrifice, it becomes possible for us to be “called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1). Words fail to express the depth of that eternal, changeless love. Every one that accepts God’s gift of life by faith and walks in His path, will be saved. “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name” (John 1:12).
Conclusion
The believer, by virtue of his creation as well as his redemption, belongs to the Father through the Son (Psalms 100:2–4; Acts 20:28; Romans 14:8; Ephesians 1:14; 1 Peter 2:9). The price that has been paid for his redemption tells the great value of the human soul in God’s eyes. While God’s love embraces all mankind – those who reject it as well as those who accept it, it directly benefits only those who receive it (Acts 2:38; John 5:24).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
