A:  When once you really understand that you are truly the beloved child of God you would never be afraid of that. But each person must take care to nurture the immortal spiritual aspects of themselves, just as they might take care to nurture their physical health.

The Urantia Book tells us that the purpose of our earthly life is to develop an immortal soul . The soul is that part of each human being that has the potential to survive death and live eternally. One develops their soul by exercising faith in God and by desiring to know him, be like him and do his will. The danger of losing one’s soul and facing extinction comes from willfully and deliberately choosing not to participate in God’s plan for eternal survival. Most readers of The Urantia Book feel that it is highly unlikely that such a definitive choice could be made by beings who are so utterly ignorant of God’s overall plan for soul advancement.

In addition, Jesus always admonished his believers to fear not, affirming that the universe is friendly. He repeatedly taught that the heavenly Father loves his children with an infinite love.

Said Jesus,

“Acceptance by faith on your part makes you a partaker of the divine nature, a son or a daughter of God. By faith you are justified; by faith are you saved; and by this same faith are you eternally advanced in the way of progressive and divine perfection.” (150:5.3)

Living in fear of soul annihilation is not a good place to be; instead, do your best to live your life in accordance with God’s will, and know that he is “not willing that any should perish.” And that means you, too. He knows you better than you know yourself, so trust in him—and be of good cheer!