Biblical explanation
Genesis 2:7 is foundational: "The LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." Notice the wording. God did not place an immortal soul into Adam. Adam became a living soul. The Hebrew word translated "soul" is used in different contexts and can refer to a living being, person, life, or self. The same biblical picture appears elsewhere. Ezekiel 18:4 says, "the soul that sinneth, it shall die." This is significant because Scripture does not describe every human soul as inherently immortal. Paul teaches that immortality is something God gives to the redeemed at the resurrection. First Corinthians 15:51-54 says that "this mortal must put on immortality." The Bible's concept of human life is therefore holistic. The person is a living being created by God. Death reverses the process: the body returns to dust, and the life-breath returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7).
Key takeaway
Discipleship applies the gospel to the whole life: body, mind, relationships, work, finances, and worship. Healthy choices and faithful habits do not earn salvation; they are grateful stewardship of the life God has entrusted to us and practical ways to serve others.