In the Bible, the words “soul” and “spirit” are sometimes used interchangeably, which can make it confusing to know exactly what they mean. However, if we were to observe closely, we can see that they might have different meanings. In this article, we will explore how “soul” and “spirit” are used in the Bible and what they might mean. By doing this, we can get a clearer picture of what the Bible says about what makes us who we are. Here are the two primary views:
Dichotomous View: Quite a few theologians take a dichotomous view, which suggests that human beings consist of two parts: body and soul/spirit. They use the terms “soul” and “spirit” interchangeably to talk about the non-physical part of a person, apart from the body. Here are a few key verses they commonly referenced:
Genesis 2:7: “Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.” This verse is seen as indicating the creation of humans as a union of physical matter (the body) and the divine breath of life (the soul). Since there is no mention of the spirit, then this soul mentioned here must also be the spirit of man too.
Matthew 10:28: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” This verse is often interpreted as a distinction between the body, which can be killed, and the soul, which is seen as immortal and survives beyond physical death. Once again, there is no mention of the human spirit and so it is assumed that soul and spirit are the same entity.
Is it true that in every instance, “soul” and “spirit” mean the same thing in the Bible? Is it accurate to think that both words refer to the same inner, spiritual part of a person that God has made? It’s important to know that these ideas come from different ways of understanding the Bible. Here is another view:
Trichotomous View: According to this perspective, human beings have three distinct components: body, soul, and spirit. This belief aligns with the idea that just as God exists as a Trinity, we, as humans, are also made up of three interconnected parts.
Why I Held A Trichotomous View?
As a student of the Bible and a pastor, I have come to embrace a trichotomous view of human nature. I strongly believe that there is a threefold composition of body, soul, and spirit. Let me share why I hold this view and present some biblical verses that support a holistic understanding of human beings.
Animals Are Dichotomous
First and foremost, let me explain that all intelligent animals are dichotomous in nature. This means that even though animals have a limited form of soul, it still encompasses intellect, emotion, and will. And we know that these three aspects of a soul are intellect, emotion, and will.
While the Bible does not explicitly address the nature of animal souls in great detail, some passages suggest animals possess certain cognitive and emotional capacities. In our own experience with our pets, we can see not just the soulish expression in them but each pet has a different character. What the animals do not have is the spirit or the breath of God that was given to Adam and Eve. Therefore, animals are dichotomous and not trichotomous in nature.
I am one of those believers who find comfort in the idea that God’s love extends to all of His creation, including animals. How would Jesus come back on a white stallion if there were no animals in heaven? I really believe that there is a place for them in heaven. I even had a dream that all my former pets came running to meet me in heaven. My perspective is based on the deep belief that God values and cares for His entire creation and that His plan for redemption extends beyond humanity.
I am not the only minister who believes that our pets would be in heaven. Billy Graham, the famous evangelist, also held the belief that our pets would be in heaven with us. While he did not provide an extensive theological explanation for this belief, Graham often expressed his belief in the goodness and love of God, and he saw the presence of animals as a reflection of God’s creative and caring nature.
The Body, Soul, and Spirit: A Balanced Foundation
I believe that we have to recognize that human beings consist of three parts – body, soul, and spirit – instead of two parts like that of the animal. Each part plays a role in our overall well-being and spiritual growth. Just like a three-legged stool needs all its legs to stay steady, we too benefit from nurturing and understanding all aspects of who we are. Our body, soul, and spirit are like the components of a finely tuned orchestra, working in harmony to create beautiful music.
Our physical body is like the instrumentalists, each playing a unique role in producing the physical sensations and experiences that shape our existence.
Our soul is the conductor, guiding the thoughts, emotions, and personality traits that give depth and expression to our being.
Our spirit is the music itself, the intangible essence that flows through us, infusing our lives with purpose, inspiration, and meaning.
When these three elements are in sync, they create a symphony of balance and well-being, resonating through every aspect of our lives. That is why we need to look at ourselves and have some understanding of why we are trichotomous.
Biblical Verses Supporting A Trichotomous View:
1 Thessalonians 5:23 – “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole SPIRIT and SOUL and BODY be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This verse highlights the interconnectedness of spirit, soul, and body, emphasizing their significance in the process of sanctification. It, while not explicitly explaining the relationship between spirit, soul, and body, does mention them as distinct components.
Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” This verse suggests a distinction between the soul and the spirit so much so that they can be “divided”.
1 Corinthians 2:14-15 – “The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.” This verse implies that a natural person is only having a body and a soul but his spirit man is dead. He cannot discern the spiritual things of God.
Nurturing Every Aspect of Our Being
When we embrace the idea that we consist of body, soul, and spirit, it reminds us to take care of each part. Our BODY has physical needs, so we should look after it. Our SOUL includes our emotions, thoughts, and choices, so it is important to pay attention to them and help them grow healthily. Our SPIRIT is the part that connects us to God, so we should focus on building a strong relationship with Him. By understanding and valuing these different parts of ourselves, we can work towards being healthy and spiritually mature.
The Dance of Soul and Spirit: Working Together
Although the soul and spirit are distinct, they work together to shape our lives. Our soul expresses our emotions and desires, while our spirit connects us with God and His transformative power. They are intertwined and inseparable, playing a vital role in understanding ourselves and our relationship with God. This harmonious interplay of the soul and spirit in shaping our holistic human experience can be observed in various aspects of our lives. Here are a few examples:
- Worship and Devotion:
When we engage in acts of worship and devotion, both the soul and spirit are involved. The soul expresses its emotions, desires, and affections toward God, such as love, gratitude, and awe. The spirit, on the other hand, connects with the Holy Spirit, enabling us to experience a deep sense of communion with God, transforming our worship into a spiritual encounter. - Moral Decision-making:
The soul, with its capacity for reason and moral discernment, plays a vital role in making ethical choices. It considers values, principles, and the consequences of our actions. The spirit, however, seeks guidance from the Holy Spirit, who illuminates our understanding and aligns our decisions with God’s will. Together, the soul’s rationality and the spirit’s spiritual discernment contribute to making morally sound choices. - Personal Transformation:
The soul and spirit work together in the process of personal transformation and spiritual growth. The soul engages in self-reflection, self-examination, and the willingness to change. It acknowledges its shortcomings and seeks growth and maturity. The spirit, in communion with the Holy Spirit, empowers and enables this transformation, bringing about lasting change in our character, attitudes, and behaviors. - Prayer and Meditation:
During times of prayer and meditation, the soul and spirit engage in a beautiful harmony. The soul pours out its desires, concerns, and requests to God, expressing vulnerability and openness. The spirit, aligned with the Holy Spirit, deepens our connection with God, allowing us to experience His presence, receive guidance, and gain spiritual insights. This synergy of the soul and spirit in prayer and meditation leads to spiritual renewal, peace, and a deeper intimacy with God. - Pursuit of Truth and Wisdom:
The soul’s pursuit of knowledge, truth, and wisdom is enhanced by the spirit’s receptivity to divine wisdom. The soul engages in intellectual exploration, critical thinking, and learning. The spirit, in communion with the Holy Spirit, helps us discern truth, expands our understanding, and grants us spiritual insights beyond human comprehension. This collaboration between the soul’s intellectual capacity and the spirit’s spiritual discernment enriches our pursuit of truth and wisdom.
It is important to note that these examples illustrate the interplay between the soul and spirit, but they can manifest differently in individuals based on their unique personalities, experiences, and spiritual journeys. The harmonious cooperation of the soul and spirit contributes to our holistic human experience, fostering spiritual growth, deepening our relationship with God, and enhancing our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Conclusion
Embracing the trichotomous view prompts us to nurture each component of our being. We can care for our bodies through healthy habits, nourishment, and physical exercise. Cultivating emotional well-being, self-awareness, and healthy relationships supports the growth of our souls. Developing our spirituality through prayer, meditation, and a relationship with God enriches our spirits and fosters a sense of interconnectedness with the divine.
Here is a message about how the spirit of man responds to the voice of God
The Voice of God – A Sermon by Rev Albert Kang
Do you know the voice of God? Why did Jesus say that His sheep would know His voice? How to know that the voice is really from God? What are the three aspects of God’s voice? Is the Bible the voice of God? How does the Holy Spirit speak to you?
Albert Connect 