Our soul is an imperishable thing. Man's life begins at his birth and continues till his death. However man's soul does not die and this ought to be believed firmly.

1. The things of this world are not destroyed absolutely but they only turn into new forms. Clay turns into marble; Eggs turn into insects or birds; Things turn to ash when burned; Certain metals when melted retain their forms though certain other things undergo chemical transformation and become different things. Nevertheless the things in this world do not vanish absolutely. This being the case, how can the soul which is endowed with such noble characteristics, power and knowledge perish without a trace? No, it shall not cease to exist.

2. There are differences between the body and soul. The body undergoes changes on the aspects of happiness, constancy, separation, burden and color. After death, the body is cremated or buried and then it mingles with dust. But the soul is different from body. A man's arms and legs may be severed but his soul is not severed. A man's eyesight may vanish which may be restored by appropriate medical treatment. However this does not affect the soul.

The body can become lean or fat but the soul does not vary that way. The body varies in color but the soul does not have color. The soul is the seat of psychological functions such as thoughts, awareness, aspiration, conscience, intelligence, intention and purpose.

The soul alone runs the body. The soul is different from the life force. When a man sleeps, his life force remains dormant. However the soul which resides within the body continues to be active (dreams, visions). Since this runs the body and is invisible, it is called conscience and spirit; Further since it is formless, it is called spirit, soul. Because it possesses many characteristics and psychological attributes, it is called conscience.

The soul is imperishable and is created by God. The Lord God made man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life. Man was thus created; He became a living being, a being with life and soul. This is a magnificent creation of God. There are various notes given on the subject of this creation, in the first and second chapters of Genesis such as, God created man in His own image, that He created him of the dust of the ground and that He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.

The soul is empowered to deliberate, determine and store in memory; to cross the boundaries of this universe and bow at the feet of the Supreme God; and overcome by the power of love or enraptured by the intense devotion to God, to remain unperturbed in the face of death. How can a thing so powerful perish?

3. The soul grows in wisdom day by day. A bird builds its nest following the same pattern. However the soul strives for flawless learning everyday. Bees build their hives in the same manner and the way a weaver-bird builds it's nest does not vary. But man built his house, first with mud, then with wood, then with stones, then with bricks and now with glass and plastics.

The human soul progresses each day in acquiring knowledge and wisdom. Comprehending the affairs of this world, the soul directs it's aspiration towards heaven and longs for that world. How can such a soul perish?

4 Nearly all the people are convinced that they possess an imperishable soul and that they will continue to live after death. Such a conviction is true. Men of all religions believe that the soul is imperishable though the body alone perishes. Why does a man seek fame and celebrity in this world? Why has the Lord kept such boundless desires within ourselves? If not in this life, in the after-life all our rightful desires may be fulfilled. Therefore all those people who ever appeared on this earth possess the souls.

5. People believe that corresponding to the good or bad things they do, they will receive reward or punishment. Though God does not mete out suitable judgment according to one's wickedness or righteousness in this life, in the after-life it is certain that God shall reward people according to their deeds. In this world we see, good and righteous people suffering and the wicked people prospering apparently not incurring the punishment due for their wickedness.

However it appears certain that in the after-life God shall reward the righteous and punish the wicked (Job 35:15; Act 17:30-31). The Holy Scriptures term the soul, an imperishable matter. Gen. 5:24; Ex. 3:6; II King 2:11; Psalms 16:10,11; Psalms 17:15, 73:24-26; Matt 16:26-27, 22:31-32, 25:31-32; John 2, 5:28; I Cor 5:1-8. The Lord took up Enoch with his body (Gen. 5:24); Elijah rose to heaven with chariot of fire and horses of fire (II King 2:11). Ap.Paul says that he prefers to be absent from the body and be present with the Lord (II Cor 5:1-8); Many souls have gone to heaven with their bodies and they do keep coming and going (Matt 17:1-9).

The spirit and the soul may appear to be the same. However we may compare the spirit with intention and the soul with awareness. What is mentioned as the soul of God points to His characteristics. Lord Jesus said this of a certain rich man:

'You fool! This night your soul will be required of you; then whose will those things be which you have provided?' (Luke 12:20). The same night he passed away. In this worldly life, he had been a foolish rich man without getting saved. It is to be viewed with happiness that many among us have received this salvation. 'You rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith - the salvation of your souls' (I Pet 1:8-9)(NKJV). If any among you have not received the salvation of soul, redemption of sins, then make efforts to receive the salvation of soul. The people seen in this world, though they have souls, are perishing and heading towards hell. Let us hasten to warn them about their souls and preach to them that Jesus Christ alone can save their souls, and let us publicize to the world about Christ. If any among our dear ones are not yet saved, let us warn them to accept the Lord without delay. Let us tell them the gospel. The soul is created for God and it shall not have rest till it finds Him. Therefore Jesus Calls you: "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart: and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light" (Matt 11:28-30)(NKJV).

'Our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel' (2 Tim 1:10)(NKJV).