We protect valuable things. We take out insurance for our homes, cars, life, health and other possessions. We prioritize things in our life by how much value they hold. It is not hard to see what we value in life, but what about the life to come? How much value do we put on the eternal?
The Value of the Soul
What is the soul worth? The human soul reflects the image of God (Gen 1:26-27). Like God, the soul is eternal (2 Cor 5:1-5) God paid a blood-price to redeem humanity and its soul (1 Pet 1:18-20). If God’s blood has any worth, then the soul it purchased has worth. God knows the value of the soul and paid dearly to buy it back from sin. Souls of such great value should not be sold for the “fleeting pleasures of sin” (Heb. 11:25).
The Value of the Church
What is the value of the church? God created the church as the bride of Christ (Rev 21:2). Like God and the soul, the church is eternal and will be given to the Father in the end (1 Cor 15:24). The church was also purchased with the blood of God (Acts 20:28). God did not buy the church so men could take it or leave it or even take a part of it and leave a part of it. He bought the church to help Christians connect and endure.
The Value of the Doctrine
What is the value of the doctrine of Christ? God has spoken to humanity in the last days through the teaching of his Son (Heb 1:1-2). The Jesus’ words are eternal and will judge humanity on the last day (Matt 24:35; John 12:48). Those words form the doctrine of Christ, and they were ratified by his blood (Heb 9:15-17). God paid the same price for the doctrine as he did for the soul and the church.
It’s true, those things which cost the most matter the most. Sotheby’s has never sold anything for the price of God’s own blood. That is the highest price ever paid for anything. With it, God purchased the souls of humanity, the church of Christ, and the doctrine of Christ. These things matter.
Preaching Minister