The Concept of the Immortality of the Soul: A Biblical-Theological Study
Issue: Vol.9 No.11 November 2023 Issue Article 3 pp. 555 – 563
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20239113 | Published online 24th November, 2023.
© 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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).
Keywords: Immortality of the Soul, Biblical Theological Study, Religious Belief Systems, Doctrines
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Pastor Joseph Danquah is a Seventh-day Adventist minister in Ghana. He holds the notable role of Personal Ministries Director within the Mid-North Ghana Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Techiman. Currently, he is engaged in the pursuit of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the field of Biblical Theological Studies at the Adventist University of Africa, Kenya. Pastor Danquah’s primary area of expertise is Systematic Theology, with a keen academic focus on the exploration of anthropology, eschatology, ecclesiology, Christology, and evangelism. His unwavering commitment to faith and education has not only enriched his personal spiritual journey but also contributed significantly to the theological discourse within the Seventh-day Adventist community and beyond.
Danquah, Joseph. “The Concept of the Immortality of the Soul: A Biblical-Theological Study, “ E-Journal of Religious and Theological Studies, 9 no.11 (2023): 555 – 563. https://doi.org/10.38159/erats.20239113
© 2023 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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