James 1:21 Part 6—Reward

Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21

For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15

James said to Christians, “In humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” In this entry, I hope to shed light on the question: Why do believers need to do anything besides receiving Jesus to save their souls?

In the three-part anatomy of man—spirit, soul, and body—it is your spirit that is born again. Neither your soul nor your body is made new when you receive Jesus as Lord, but in your spirit man, you become a new creation. It is by your spirit that you also receive direction from the Holy Spirit. Concerning this, the Bible says, “The spirit of man is the lamp of the LORD, searching all the innermost parts of his being” (Proverbs 20:27). The Word also declares, “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God” (Romans 8:16). In other words, the Holy Spirit communicates with you through your spirit.

Paul said this concerning your body and soul: “…present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:1-2).

You are urged to present your body daily to God for His service. Likewise, you are called to renew your mind (a component of your soul, which is comprised of your emotions and will, also) so you that you can be transformed rather than conformed to the world. Again, you renew your mind (or soul), not your spirit. Your spirit is already made new by virtue of your faith in Christ.

How do you renew your mind? James says “in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” Renewing your mind is the same thing as receiving the Word implanted.

Your recreated spirit listens to God. It is your soul—your mind, emotions, and will—that has difficulty wanting to stick with the Word and following the Lord. Therefore, for the sake of your well-being, it is imperative that you prioritize two disciplines—listening to the Holy Spirit and giving the Word first place in your life. This builds strength within you—and as James says, saves your soul. Following the whims of your emotions or the reasoning of your mind can lead you down a disastrous course—and does nothing to renew your mind or save your soul.

When Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 3 that some believers will receive a reward while others won’t, is he referring only to the work of building the kingdom of God? I believe not. It is my opinion that he is referring to the works done in the body—all of them, spiritual and otherwise—“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Paul said some will suffer loss on that Day when the quality of each man’s work is judged. How can a righteous spirit suffer loss on Judgment Day? In my opinion it will be the loss suffered by believers who didn’t take charge of their souls—mind, will, and emotions—by the renewing of their minds. It will be the loss incurred by those who habitually allowed their souls to call the shots without seeking the Lord or His Word; yet they, themselves, will be saved, as through fire.

My original question was: Why does a Christian need to save his soul? Because, even as you have wisely shunned hell by receiving Jesus, so, too, you can wisely avoid suffering loss on that Day when you see Him face to face—by obeying Him now concerning your soul.

Remember, becoming a new creature occurs instantaneously when you take Jesus as your Lord. Renewing your mind and saving your soul by receiving the Word implanted, however, is a lifelong adventure—and it holds great reward for your future.

Thank God for the mind-renewing power of His Word!

Dorothy

Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27