Stone sculptures high upon the vaulted walls of the north transept of the Notre Dame Cathedral tell the story of a medieval bishop who supposedly sold his soul to the devil.
Theophilus of Adana, known today as St. Theophilus the Penitent is said to have signed a contract in blood relinquishing his soul to Satan in exchange for honor and wealth, but later Theophilus repents and has his eternal fate restored before his death in circa 538 A.D.
So, Just like selling his/her soul to the devil, can someone sell their soul to god? If so, how to sell your soul to god? Can you expect fame and money in return? Let us know today..
Can someone sell their soul to God?
The concept of a blood contract predates Theophilus by thousands of years, and it is not with the devil, but rather with God. In Genesis chapters 12-17, God enters into a contract (i.e. a covenant) with Abraham. In that contract, God promises to bless Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 12:1-3), if Abraham will honor Him with his life (Genesis 17:1-2). The seal of the contract on God’s part was a blood sacrifice (Genesis 15:9-10, 17) and the sign of Abraham’s allegiance was circumcision (Genesis 17:9-11).
The question that has troubled theologians for centuries is whether or not Abraham “sold his soul” to God? If he did, then should we do the same to guarantee God’s blessings and our future eternity in Heaven? In fact, the entire Bible is the story of God’s contract with mankind, known historically as the Old and New Testaments or “Covenants”. Many people believe our fate is sealed by our decision to either sign or ignore God’s contract.
When considering our eternal destiny of either fiery damnation or heavenly bliss, the idea of a contract with God is a serious issue to ponder. Can you enter into a transaction with God in which you promise Him your allegiance in exchange for His blessings and an eternity in Heaven? Can you truly sell your soul to God?
Surprisingly, the answer seems to be both “Yes” and “No”. Some would see this as purely semantics, but we cannot truly “sell” what we do not “own”. Since we are God’s creation, He retains the full rights of ownership to our soul. Jesus said in Matthew 10:28 – “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” It would seem that the decision concerning our eternal destiny rests completely in the hands of God. As our Creator, God doesn’t owe us anything. So, in that sense, you cannot sell your soul to Him. In fact, much of the Bible indicates that we do not have any right to claim Heaven for ourselves due to our evil nature.
However, as both a God of justice and a God of compassion, He has made an arrangement in which He will accept an alternative payment so that we can redeem our life from Hell.
Thus, the Bible states that Jesus paid the price for your soul on the cross as a substitute redeeming you from the dominion of darkness (Colossians 1:13-14). Revelation 5:9 says that Jesus was slain, and with His blood He purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.
The real question becomes: How do you claim this redemption of your soul as your own? And how one can truly sell their soul to god?
So, How to sell your soul to God?
The answer is that you give not your soul, but your heart and life to God.
Since God paid the price for our soul, we owe Him our allegiance with our life. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 clearly says – “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies”. When you give your life to God you are placing yourself under a contract and obligation to honor God with your life. You are not “selling” your soul as much as you are “surrendering” your life to God.
The Bible calls this contract the New Covenant and your obligation is your devotion and allegiance to God in exchange for Heaven. By not agreeing to this covenant you will default on this arrangement and break the contract with God which will result in the damnation of your soul to Hell.
There is some “fine print” that we should consider when evaluating our contract with God.
First, God’s covenant is not a guarantee of earthly treasure. Instead, those who decide to give their allegiance to God often face hardship and persecution rather than wealth and prosperity. The Bible says that God’s rewards for faithfulness will come later in eternity rather than in this present life (Hebrews 11:13-16).
Secondly, we cannot bargain with God in the same way we might try to bargain with the devil. God doesn’t owe us anything, and we have nothing to offer Him. Heaven is a free gift of His grace, and we must simply accept it by faith. So, we are not trying to earn our way into Heaven by being good, rather our allegiance is an expression of gratitude for God’s gift of eternal life.
So, how can you sell/surrender your soul/life to God? When the Apostles of Jesus were asked this question they said, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). It is only by faith and repentance in the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that we enter into a contract with God. Most people do this by praying a prayer of faith and repentance and offering their heart and life to God. Baptism becomes the public signature of this contract with God similar to Abraham’s circumcision. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the guarantee that God will uphold the contract (2 Corinthians 1:21-22) and reward us with eternal life in Heaven.
So, are you ready to sell/surrender your soul/life to God? Consider praying that prayer of faith and repentance and make a covenant with God to honor Him with your life. The reward is Heavenly.
Note: Unless otherwise specified, all Bible references in this article are to the Holy Bible: New International Version, (Biblica, Inc., 2011).
Dr. Richard Sams is a top Biblical and Religious educator, who holds a Doctor of Ministry degree (Evangelism and Church Growth emphasis) from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. He has two masters’ degrees (Master of Divinity and Master of the Arts of Religion) from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary in Lynchburg and also serves on the Pastoral Leadership Advisory Board of Liberty University. Moreover, Richard Sams has been serving as a pastor (Pastoral Ministry) at Calhoun Baptist Church in Calhoun, KY, from the past Nineteen years. He loves practically imparting biblical truths to the next generation, while occasionally conduct spiritual challenges on his facebook page facebook.com/MakeItCountChallenge