Salvation of the Soul by Arlen Chitwood and published by Classics.
The expression, “salvation of the soul,” has been misused in Christian circles over the years to the extent that any correct Scriptural teaching on the subject has become almost nonexistent. Soul-winning has erroneously been equated with reaching the unsaved with the message of the gospel of grace; and few Christians, viewing soul-winning in this manner, seem to even give the matter a second thought. Books have been written on soul-winning, Bible colleges and seminaries teach courses on soul-winning, and soul-winning conferences are held by these same institutions and by various Churches. But, among these groups, almost without exception, soul-winning is viewed from a non-Scriptural perspective.
But exactly what is soul-winning? And why is there so much confusion on this subject today? The questions are interrelated, and Scripture is quite clear concerning the answers to both. Soul-winning, having to do with those who are already saved, is seen connected with a kingdom in both Testaments. In the Old Testament, this kingdom was an existing kingdom (the O.T. theocracy); and in the New Testament, this kingdom is seen as a coming kingdom (the coming kingdom of Christ).
Thus, it is no wonder that corruption and confusion have marked the proclamation of this message throughout Man's Day. Satan, the present ruler in the kingdom — ruling from a heavenly sphere through the Gentile nations on earth (Dan. 10:13-20; Luke 4:5, 6; Eph. 6:12) — knows that the ultimate outworking of that contained in the message surrounding the salvation of the soul will bring about an end to his rule. Accordingly, Satan has done all within his power, over millenniums of time, to destroy this message. And exactly how well he has succeeded can be seen on practically every hand in Christendom today (Matt. 13:31-33; Lk 18:8; Rev. 3:14 - 21).
