THE UNFINISHED REFORMATION · INVESTIGATION 13

Are Human Souls Naturally Immortal?

Does immortality belong to humanity by nature or as God’s gift?

Scripture repeatedly describes God as the source of life and immortality as something sought, bestowed, or put on. Human beings are mortal. The Bible can use “soul” for persons, life, desire, or living beings. It does not require the later philosophical idea of an inherently indestructible conscious self.

Reformation principle. Eternal life is a gift in Christ, not an indestructible possession every person has by nature.

SCRIPTURE TO EXAMINE

Read the biblical evidence

  • 1 Timothy 6:15–16God is described as the One who alone has immortality.
  • Romans 2:7Believers seek for immortality.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:51–54Immortality is put on at the resurrection.
  • Ezekiel 18:4The soul that sins shall die.
HISTORY AND CURRENT TEACHING

Historical context

Roman Catholic teaching explicitly states that the spiritual soul is immortal and does not perish when separated from the body at death. Many Protestant traditions retain some form of conscious intermediate state as well.

STRONGEST OBJECTION OR ALTERNATIVE READING

Examine the challenge

Several New Testament passages are read by many Christians as supporting conscious presence with Christ after death. Those texts must be reconciled with the Bible’s resurrection-centered hope rather than ignored.

SOURCES

Check the evidence

YOUR VERDICT

When does 1 Corinthians 15 place the believer’s putting on of immortality?

  • At birth
  • At death
  • At the resurrection/change at Christ’s coming