The concept of the immortality of the soul: a biblical-theological study

Abstract

The concept of the immortality of the soul, as held by pagans, has been the subject of extensive scholarly research over the years. Despite concerted efforts to disprove the idea of life after death, the doctrine remains a theological enigma. This research thus delved into the immortality of the soul as depicted in the Bible. The study posited that the body and soul are not distinct entities but rather integral components of the human person. The Bible does not recognize a separate existence of the body and soul after death, instead, it regards them as an inseparable unity that ceases to exist until the resurrection. Consequently, the elements that make up a person and the process described in Genesis 2:7 do not involve the existence of a soul in the dualistic sense. The Bible maintains that no division between the body and soul occurs independently at the time of death. Thus, the doctrine of the immortality of the soul lacks biblical support. The study, employing a biblical-theological approach, sought to address the prevailing debates concerning the concept of the "immortality of the soul." This paper argues for the belief in the immortality of the soul and posits that it is not consistent with biblical teachings. The study suggests that this belief may have originated from the Edenic teaching that humans "shall not surely die." (Gen. 3:4).