For what shall it PROFIT a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

[Santoso]

Beloved ones, we have heard:

 

“For what shall it PROFIT a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

How may we understand what the answer to this question? 

 

For we also heard:

 

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

That we may understand: 

 

Which things also Jesus speaks, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

 

For this reason, let us compare spiritual things with spiritual.

 

This, we also heard: 

 

“Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, WHAT SHALL I PROFIT YOU, except I shall speak to you either by REVELATION , or by KNOWLEDGE , or by PROPHESYING, or by DOCTRINE?”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

Let us consider again what we have heard: 

 

“For what shall it PROFIT a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

Paraphrasing for clarity:

 

For what shall it REVEAL or KNOW or PROPHESY or PREACH a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

 

Beloved ones. let us consider again what Jesus said:

 

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 

 

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for MY SAKE and THE GOSPEL’s, the same shall save IT. 

 

For WHAT shall IT profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

 

“Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 

 

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭34-38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

Paraphrasing for clarity:

 

For WHAT shall JESUS’SAKE

or THE GOSPEL’s profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

 

Paraphrasing for clarity:

 

For WHAT shall THE PURPOSE OF JESUS or THE GOSPEL’s revelation or knowledge or prophesying or doctrine a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

 

That we may understand:

 

For A NEW MAN believe the purpose of Jesus or the gospel’s revelation or knowledge or prophesying or doctrine, we believe THIS COMPLETE ABUNDANCE,

AND GAIN HIS SPIRIT.

 

For this is confirmed to us:

 

“Therefore IF ANY MAN be in Christ, he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE become NEW.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more ABUNDANTLY.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, THAT HE MAY ABIDE WITH YOU FOR EVER; EVEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

Selah ( reflect to pause)

 

To God the Father be all glory and thanksgiving through Christ.

Amen

Edited August 4, 2024 by Santoso

[Santoso]

Beloved ones, let us consider again what we have heard: 

 

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, WHOSOEVER will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭34‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

According to Oxford definition, the word “WHOSOEVER” is formal term for WHOEVER.

 

The meaning of WHOEVER is 

THE PERSON or PEOPLE WHO; ANY PERSON WHO.

 

Paraphrasing for clarity:

 

And when Jesus had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, HIS PEOPLE (or His disciples) WHO or ANY PERSON WHO will come after Him (Jesus), let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow  Him (Jesus). 

 

Then we heard:

 

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭35‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

Paraphrasing for clarity:

 

For HIS DISCIPLES OR ANY PERSON WHO will NOT DENY HIMSELF AND TAKE UP THE CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS 

shall lose HIS LIFE; 

but HIS DISCIPLES OR ANY PERSON WHO shall DENY HIMSELF AND TAKE UP THE CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS 

for JESUS’ SAKE and THE GOSPEL’s,  the same shall save HIS LIFE. 

 

Then we heard:

 

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

Paraphrasing for clarity: 

 

For WHAT shall the purpose of Jesus or the gospel’s revelation or knowledge or prophesying or doctrine a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

 

Then we heard:

 

“Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭37‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

Paraphrasing for clarity

 

Or REDEMPTION shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

 

Then we heard: 

 

“Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

Paraphrasing for clarity:

 

HIS DISCIPLES OR ANY PERSON WHO FOR THIS REASON OF REDEMPTION 

shall be ashamed of JESUS and of HIS words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

 

Selah ( Reflect to pause)

 

 

Paraphrasing for clarity for the beloved ones:

 

And when Jesus had called the people unto Him with His disciples also, He said unto them, HIS DISCIPLES WHO or ANY PERSON WHO will come after Him (Jesus), let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow  Him (Jesus). 

 

For HIS DISCIPLES OR ANY PERSON WHO will NOT DENY HIMSELF AND TAKE UP THE CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS 

shall lose HIS LIFE; 

but HIS DISCIPLES OR ANY PERSON WHO shall DENY HIMSELF AND TAKE UP THE CROSS AND FOLLOW JESUS 

for JESUS’ SAKE and THE GOSPEL’s,  the same shall save HIS LIFE. 

 

For A NEW MAN BELIEVE the purpose of Jesus or the gospel’s revelation or knowledge or prophesying or doctrine, HIS DISCIPLES OR ANY PERSON WHO believe THIS COMPLETE ABUNDANCE,

AND GAIN HIS SPIRIT.

 

Or REDEMPTION ( or HIS SPIRIT) BELIEVE a man RECEIVE in exchange for his soul (HIS DISCIPLES’ souls OR ANY PERSON’s souls).

 

HIS DISCIPLES OR ANY PERSON WHO FOR THIS REASON OF REDEMPTION 

shall be PLEASED (or BELIEVE BE TESTIFIED) of JESUS and of HIS words in THAT FAITHFUL and GODLY DAY; of him also shall ( or of His disciples or any person who also BELIEVE)

the Son of man be PLEASED ( or TESTIFIED) when he cometh in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.

 

Amen

 

To God the Father be all glory and thanksgiving through Christ.

Amen

Edited August 4, 2024 by Santoso

[AdHoc]

On 8/3/2024 at 5:30 AM, Santoso said:

Beloved ones, we have heard:

 

“For what shall it PROFIT a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

How may we understand what the answer to this question? 

 

For we also heard:

 

“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

That we may understand: 

 

Which things also Jesus speaks, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

 

For this reason, let us compare spiritual things with spiritual.

 

This, we also heard: 

 

“Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, WHAT SHALL I PROFIT YOU, except I shall speak to you either by REVELATION , or by KNOWLEDGE , or by PROPHESYING, or by DOCTRINE?”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭14‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

Let us consider again what we have heard: 

 

“For what shall it PROFIT a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭36‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

Paraphrasing for clarity:

 

For what shall it REVEAL or KNOW or PROPHESY or PREACH a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

 

Beloved ones. let us consider again what Jesus said:

 

“And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 

 

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for MY SAKE and THE GOSPEL’s, the same shall save IT. 

 

For WHAT shall IT profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

 

“Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 

 

Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

‭‭Mark‬ ‭8‬:‭34-38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

Paraphrasing for clarity:

 

For WHAT shall JESUS’SAKE

or THE GOSPEL’s profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

 

Paraphrasing for clarity:

 

For WHAT shall THE PURPOSE OF JESUS or THE GOSPEL’s revelation or knowledge or prophesying or doctrine a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?”

 

That we may understand:

 

For A NEW MAN believe the purpose of Jesus or the gospel’s revelation or knowledge or prophesying or doctrine, we believe THIS COMPLETE ABUNDANCE,

AND GAIN HIS SPIRIT.

 

For this is confirmed to us:

 

“Therefore IF ANY MAN be in Christ, he is a NEW creature: old things are passed away; behold, ALL THINGS ARE become NEW.”

‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more ABUNDANTLY.”

‭‭John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

“If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, THAT HE MAY ABIDE WITH YOU FOR EVER; EVEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭KJV‬‬

 

Selah ( reflect to pause)

 

To God the Father be all glory and thanksgiving through Christ.

Amen

Here is my understanding of Mark 8: . I include the context.

34 And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. 35 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels

The main teaching of our Lord Jesus, His disciples and John Baptist was the Kingdom of Heaven, or Kingdom of God, that Christ would set up on earth at His return. Verse 38 sets the deciding moment as "when Christ comes in the glory of His Father wih His angels". Now this Kingdom is achieve a number of things.
1. The first is that God's original plan was for man in His likeness to subdue and rule the earth (Gen.1:26-28)
2. The Gentiles now rule, but God is rightful owner and will return the earth to His authorty
3. The earth suffers from polluting sins. This will end with God ruling with an rod of iron
4. the common man suffers from unrighteous rule. This will end
5. God's Covenant with Abraham promises blessing on all families of the earth
7. Those who have the right birth will be made co-kings with Jesus whe He returns as a reward

When Christ returns He will put things in order. But of a Utopia we cannot speak. The rule of the rod of iron, the presence of the Lake of Fire, Satan in an underground prison, human death and the rebellion of Magog at the end of the first 1,000 years dispel human aspirations for a utopia. Rather, these are proofs of God's righteousness and supremacy.

While the gospel of reconciliation is being taught to all men, God asks the Christian to forego justice. If a criminal commits a crime under Law, the Law is swift to stop him and punish him. But if God wants reconciliation He must give the criminal TIME to consider his ways and repent. During this time God waits and the victims suffer. Jesus, for instance, has waited nearly 2,000 years for just revenge. So anybody who follows Jesus must take into account SORROW. The martyrs have paid the ultimate price - sorrow unto death.

When Christ returns, He will REVERSE this. Those who lost money, prestige, lands, friends and family with be rewarded 100 time for their loss. Matthew call the Kingdom of Christ "His JOY". It reads;

14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
...
21  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee RULER over many things: enter thou into the JOY of thy lord.
...
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee RULER over many things: enter thou into the JOY of thy lord. Matt.25:14–23.

Man is made of three parts. 1. Body, 2. spirit and 3. SOUL (1. Thess.5:23). All three parts can experience suffering and joy. Mary said, "..., My soul doth magnify the Lord, 47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour" Lk 1:46–47.

The Greek word for SOUL is "psuche". So is the Greek word for the LIFE of the soul. That is why our text above from Mark uses "soul" and "life" interchangeably. The death of the soul is not like the death of the body. It does not cease to function like the body. It feels "lack of well-being". So the "life" of the soul is "WELL-BEING" and the death of the soul is "PERDITION". In Matthew 10:28 our Lord said to fear the death of the soul much more than the death of the body. That is why Jesus cried out in Gethsemane; "my SOUL is sorrowful UNTO DEATH". The suffering of His SOUL was much more intense than that of His body on the cross - and it started much earlier.

Our verse from Mark is a promise by Jesus that those who crucified the desires of their bodies, and denied the desires of their souls would suffer. But when He comes in His glory, and that of the Father, with the military might of the angels, those who suffered loss for His sake would be richly rewarded TO THEIR JOY!

[hishandmaiden]

I think it means we must not be too worldly, and concerned about money.