God did not create human beings and animals in the same way. To human beings He gave an immortal soul. "Then the Lord God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being" (Gen. 2:7).

The human body became subject to death as a result of sin. "Then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it" (Eccl. 12:7).

There are religious groups that deny the immortality of the soul. They maintain that everything dies when a person dies, that there is no soul without a body. These groups in essence deny the existence of the soul. Jesus, on the contrary, teaches that the soul cannot be killed. He warns: "Do not fear those who kill the body, but are unable to kill the soul; rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt. 10:28).

A human being is more than mere earth. He is not a link in the animal chain and the result of evolution, but rather as a unique creation of God he is a highly responsible being. It is true that sin has brought people down to a level sometimes below even that of animals. But it has not taken away their souls from them. When a person regards himself as mere matter, he brings himself down to the level of an animal. But there will come a time when he will awaken to an awareness of his responsibility - a responsibility from which animals are free.

The immortality of the soul is a comforting fact to those who trust in Christ. The body can be killed, but not the soul. A Christian does not have reason to fear the cross or persecution, not even a martyr's death. We can say with Paul: "I have a desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better" (Phil. 1:23).

We also know that that which is buried in the ground will one day arise. The martyrs have not even received an honorable burial, but in the Resurrection God will manifest His power and glory also in their bodies.

We have redemption in His blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of God's grace (Eph. 1:7). Christ is the anchor of our souls. When He takes care of our immortal souls, we are most assuredly safe.