It seems to me that you are mistaken in your definition of soul. You jump to the conclusion that you, as pastor are responsible for watching for the souls (which you define as eternal salvation) of your saints.
Brother, allow me to share some good news with you. You, as a pastor, are NOT responsible for someone else’s eternal salvation. You can relax about that.
Do you feel better?
Isn’t that a relief?
Let me (or Paul actually) explain.
Philippians 2
[12] Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.
Do you see where Paul is telling the saints that they are responsible for their own salvation?
Does it say that your pastor will be responsible for your salvation?
No it doesn’t. And neither should you.
I’m trying to say that you are conflating soul and salvation in Hebrews. You are sure that
Hebrews 13 is referring to salvation. It is not IMHO.
Hebrews chapter 13 is referring to their life, not salvation. They that rule over you is referring to magisterial government, not church government.
What do you think?
I have actually known saints who believed that their salvation was the responsibility of their pastor. It is an unbelievable misinterpretation of scripture.
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