This week we will perform a systematic explanation of human nature, salvation, and eternal judgment as revealed in Scripture. To that end, we will begin by defining the makeup of a human being: a physical body formed from the dust of the earth, inhabited by a soul, and a spirit capable of communion with God. The body serves only as a vehicle, while the soul is the real, conscious person who thinks, feels, and makes moral choices. At physical death, the body perishes, but the soul continues eternally and is removed by angels for judgment.

Prior to Christ’s resurrection, souls went either to paradise or to hell, but paradise was emptied when Jesus ascended to heaven. Jesus is the Creator of all things and the One who established the laws governing both the physical and spiritual realms. Sin originates in the soul, not the body, and that sinful actions on earth train and condition the soul toward corruption or righteousness.

Adam and Eve were created as triune beings in the image of God. They lost spiritual life through sin and passed their corrupted nature to all humanity. As a result, every person must be born again. Salvation is repentance from sin and faith in Jesus Christ, through which the human spirit is restored and the soul is reconciled to God.

Finally, we are going to examine a series of eternal laws which govern humanity. These include the eternal nature of the soul, the limited lifespan of the body, and the certainty of judgment. Upon death, born again believers are taken to heaven and later appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive rewards based on their earthly lives. In contrast, unbelievers are taken immediately to hell, where they await the Great White Throne Judgment and being cast into the Lake of Fire.

Print out the sermon outline and let's examine the Scriptures together Sunday morning at 9:00 AM PST.