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Foreword
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Documents in Microsoft Word Format:
Foreword
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Study/
Review Questions for Download
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The expression,
“salvation of the soul,” has been misused in Christian circles over
the years to the extent that any correct Scriptural teaching on the
subject has become almost nonexistent. Soul-winning has erroneously
been equated with reaching the unsaved with the message of the
gospel of grace; and few Christians, viewing soul-winning in this
manner, seem to even give the matter a second thought.
Books have been
written on soul-winning, Bible colleges and seminaries teach courses
on soul-winning, and soul-winning conferences are held by these same
institutions and by various churches. But, among these groups,
almost without exception, soul-winning is viewed from a
non-Scriptural perspective.
Soul-winning in
Scripture has to do with the saving of the soul/life of those who
are already saved, whether Israelites in the Old Testament or
Christians in the New Testament. When it comes to the saving or the
losing of the soul/life in this respect, solely from a Scriptural
standpoint, the unsaved are not in view.
But exactly what
is soul-winning? And why is there so much confusion on this subject
today? The questions are interrelated, and Scripture is quite clear
concerning the answers to both. Soul-winning, having to do with
those who are already saved, is seen connected with a kingdom in
both Testaments. In the Old Testament, this kingdom was an existing
kingdom (the Old Testament theocracy); and in the New Testament,
this kingdom is seen as a coming kingdom (the coming kingdom of
Christ).
Thus, it is no
wonder that corruption and confusion have marked the proclamation of
this message throughout Man’s Day. Satan, the present ruler in the
kingdom — ruling from a heavenly sphere through the Gentile nations
on earth (cf. Daniel 10:13-20;
Luke 4:5, 6; Ephesians 6:12) — knows
that the ultimate outworking of that contained in the message
surrounding the salvation of the soul will bring about an end to his
rule.
Accordingly, Satan
has done all within his power, over millenniums of time, to destroy
this message. And exactly how well he has succeeded can be seen on
practically every hand in Christendom today (cf.
Matthew 13:31-33; Luke 18:8; Revelation 3:14-21). |