Explain Bible

What does the Bible say about lost souls?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that those separated from God by sin are lovingly sought by Christ, who alone saves all who repent and believe in him. Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:9-10), and his parable in Luke 15:4 displays God’s pursuing mercy toward wandering sinners. Salvation is found only through Christ, the way, truth, and life (John 14:6), yet God sincerely calls people to repentance and desires that they be saved (1 Timothy 2:4). Believers are therefore called to proclaim the gospel, pray for the wandering, and restore those who stray, trusting God’s sovereign grace (James 5:20). Those who confess their sins receive forgiveness through Christ (1 John 1:9).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • James 5:20 9 votes

    let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.

  • 1 John 1:9 6 votes

    If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

  • Luke 15:4 6 votes

    "Which of you men, if you had one hundred sheep, and lost one of them, wouldn't leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one that was lost, until he found it?

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 5 votes

    [13] But we don't want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don't grieve like the rest, who have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so those who have fallen asleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. [16] For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God's trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, [17] then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. [18] Therefore comfort one another with these words.

  • Jeremiah 1:5 5 votes

    Before I formed you in the belly I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.

  • 1 Timothy 2:4 4 votes

    who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.

  • John 14:6 4 votes

    Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.

  • Mark 16:16 4 votes

    He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.

  • Matthew 10:6 3 votes

    Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

  • Luke 19:9-10 3 votes

    [9] Jesus said to him, "Today, salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. [10] For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost."

Related topics

Go deeper

Ask Explain Bible AI about lost souls and get a fuller answer from a Reformed theological perspective.

Ask what the Bible says about lost souls