INTRODUCTION: Charlemagne (742-814) was the most famous ruler of the Middle Ages and a key figure in European history. It is reported that after his death, King Charlemagne was buried wrapped in royal robes sitting in a marble chair. On his lap was a Bible opened to Mark 8. His finger pointed to verse 36.

It would do well for many to wake up and realize the value of the soul which God has given them. Every soul is extremely valuable because of:

BODY

I. GOD'S ESTIMATE OF IT

A. Every soul has its origin with God.

1. Genesis 2:7- "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."

2. Ezekiel 18:4- ""Behold, all souls are Mine; The soul of the father As well as the soul of the son is Mine; The soul who sins shall die."

3. Ecclesiastes 12:7- "Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, And the spirit will return to God who gave it."

B. God provides a way back for lost souls.

1. Galatians 4:4-5 "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons."

2. 1 Peter 2:25- "For you were like sheep going astray, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls."

C. God gave Heaven's fairest jewel to rescue man

1. John 3:16

2. 1 John 4:9- "In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him."

A. Jesus knew the price to be paid.

1. Matthew 26:37-39 "And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me. 39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.""

B. He did not suffer to save "junk"

1. Matthew 27:26-31 "Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified. 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" 30 Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified."

C. The price was not too high for Him to pay.

1. Isaiah 53:3-7 "He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him. 4- Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our sorrows; Yet we esteemed Him stricken, Smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed and He was afflicted, Yet He opened not His mouth; He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And as a sheep before its shearers is silent, So He opened not His mouth."

D. Jesus’ words - "The Soul is the most value thing in the world."

1. Mark 8:36-37 "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? 37 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?"

A. Doesn't like to see souls pleasing God.

1. Job 1:8-11 "Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" 9 So Satan answered the LORD and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!""

B. No one is safe - he will try to get all he can.

1. Luke 22:31-32 "And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren.""

2. 1 Peter 5:8- "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."

3. 1 Timothy 3:7- "Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil."

C. Wants the lost to stay blinded to the truth.

1. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 "But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them."

Copyright 1999 by Grady Scott may be reproducted for non-commercial purposes at no cost to others.