Biblical Answer

What happens when we lose everything?

The Biblical Perspective on Loss

According to Jesus, "Whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it" (Mark 8:35). This verse suggests that losing everything, in the sense of giving up our own will, self-seeking, and pride, can lead to a deeper sense of peace, joy, and satisfaction. However, if we do not surrender our lives to God, we will lose even what we think we have, resulting in total loss (Luke 8:21-2).

The Consequences of Losing Everything

When we lose everything, we risk losing our sense of identity, purpose, and meaning in life. As the Bible teaches, man is hopelessly lost because he is separated from God, his true reference point, by true moral guilt (Romans 3:11). This separation results in a life of sin, suffering, and ultimately, death. In this sense, losing everything can be seen as a tragic consequence of our rebellion against God. Furthermore, if we fail to prioritize our spiritual lives, we may experience a decline in our physical and mental well-being, leading to a loss of vitality and eventually, death (2 Cor. 4:16).

The Hope of Redemption

Despite the consequences of losing everything, the Bible offers a message of hope and redemption. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can be reconciled to God and experience a new sense of purpose and meaning in life. As we surrender our lives to God, we can find peace, joy, and satisfaction, even in the midst of suffering and loss. This is because our true identity and value are found in Christ, and not in our possessions, status, or accomplishments. In this sense, losing everything can be seen as an opportunity to discover our true selves and find our true purpose in life.