The first great lie of Satan in the Garden of Eden has found its advocates throughout the ages, both in the pagan world and in the communities that claim to be Christian. But the choice between reason and Revelation, between apostasy and Biblical Christianity, between Plato and Christ, cannot be avoided. We can admire the views of both. Both may appear beautiful. Both may sound logical. And both may even be defended. But that's not the issue. As a Christian, which view should be mine?
As a Christian, can I get onto Plato's philosophical boat and sail with him, using as an oar the doctrine of an immortal soul? Or should I refuse to sail with Plato and instead accept the Word of God and believe in its declaration that "the soul that sinneth, it shall die" (Ezekiel 18:4)?
Plato had no use for the word sin, and so he could not think of death as the "wages of sin." To him death is a door to a new life. How can I as a Christian align with Plato when I well know that I am a sinner and that Jesus Christ died for my sins? Plato looked upon death as a friend. Can I as a Christian keep company with the philosopher with the New Testament declares death to be the enemy of the Christian?
I am to be a Christian, my life, my thought, my studies, my hope must be in harmony with my Lord and His revealed will. "This is the record," says the apostle who was so close to the Master, "that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath not the Son of God hath not life" (1 John 5:11, 12).
This, then , is the assurance of immortality. The Bible does not talk about a soul surviving death, but it does promise victory over death and offers eternal life to those who meet the condition-- the condition of accepting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour.