Sassy:
This is an interesting question. I read this chapter a few times to try to gauge an idea of the context and original meanings and then consulted some commentaries.
Here's the conclusion to which I've come about this verse:
It would be very easy to believe that this verse is referring to Satan, especially since he is referred to in a previous verse as "Beelzebub": It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, F23 how much more shall they call them of his household? Matthew 10:25.
But let me ask you this: Who is able to destroy a man's soul?
Not Satan. He has no power over souls. God breathed life into man, and man became a living soul. That is the one part of man that Satan is not allowed to touch. He is the prince of the power of the air and works in the lives of children.
Look, for example, at Ephesians 2:2- Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
From this verse it appears that Satan could very well have control over the physical realm- anything that can be pysically touched, including the mind. I believe he works in people's minds- I think that's how he gets to people. But I see no where that he has access to the souls of men.
To Whom then would this verse refer? According to the commentaries, this verse is referring to God- as Judge. Remember, as much as He is love, He is also just. He is infinite in all His attributes. He will judge every man according to His works. For the vast minority, it will be for good- to determine our reward when we are in Heaven. For the vast majority- it will be to determine the everlasting punishment, or rather, to the extent, possible even heat or tolerance of the lake of fire.
There is some Scripture that suggests that there will be different degrees in the Lake of Fire. Here are a few:
Matthew 10:15- Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Matthew 11:22- But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
Luke 10:14- But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment, than for you.
As much as we are to love God, we must never lose sight that we are to fear Him. I think that sometimes we forget and we get so caught up in the fact that He is a loving God- He is also a God that despises sin with all His being, and He will condemn people to eternal burning forever, being tormented day and night, because of their choice. And it is a choice that man makes.
Only God has the power to create souls; therefore, He alone has the power to destroy souls. Does He have pleasure in this destruction? Absolutely not. But He needs to, because of His holiness, His righteousness, and His justice.
Just my thoughts.
By His Grace
killianpsi
Matthew 5:14 - Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
