By: Robert Serreyn

Question? Tell me is Matthew 16:26 to be used for salvation?

(Matthew 16:26) For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

Answer: NO,

This verse along with Romans 10:9-13 and many others are PULLED OUT of context and MISAPPLIED for salvation.

Matthew 16:26 SIMPLY asks a question “what good (profited) does it do for a person (man) to ACQUIRE (gain) whatever they can Materialistically, Financially, and Socially (gain the whole world) and lose is his life (soul) or give for (exchange) a longer life (soul).

People STRIVE all their life to ACQUIRE many things and social status in this life, but Matthew 16:26 states What HOPE do you have AFTER having obtaining all those things, CAN THEY help you when the time of death shall visit upon you, or be bardered (exchanged) for longer life.

The OBVIOUS answer to that question is NO.

The Bible states in:

(Luke 12:15 – 21) And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man’s life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. (16) And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: (17) And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?

(18) And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. (19) And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. (20) But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? (21) So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

Luke 12:15 – 21 ANSWERS Matthew 16:26.

The Christian IS TO build up treasures (rewards) in heaven THROUGH Leading others to Christ, Serving the Lord or Doing his Will in whatever avenue he has directed us in Etc,Etc… NOT obtaining Material, Financial, or Social wealth and status upon this earth.

NOTE:
The Lord IS NOT against such things as long as they are used for his Purpose, Will, and Glory and DO NOT gain control over our live but USUALLY such IS NOT the case.

(1 Timothy 6:10) For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

It is the GREED (love) of money (Material, Finanicial or Social gain) that IS EVIL not money (or those things mentioned in there proper place) it self.

The Bible states in:

(Matthew 6:19, 20) Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.

The MOST IMPORTANT thing to know IS Jesus Christ as savior, just simply believe that Jesus Christ went to the cross and DIED and shed his blood, was BURIED and three days later RESURRECTED from the dead to pay for your sins.

-Christ DIED for you – Romans 5:8

-Christ PAID your sins in full – 2 Corinthians 5:21,1 Peter 2:24

-BELIEVE (Trust In Completely) in Christ ALONE as the complete payment of sin for salvation – John 3:16, Acts 16:31, Ephesians 2:8,9

“For the wages(payment) of sin is death (eternal torment in hell); but the GIFT(salvation) of God is eternal life THROUGH Jesus Christ our Lord”. Romans 6:23

IT IS THAT SIMPLE – THE GOSPEL TRUTH