Do We Have A Soul And Also, A Spirit?

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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?

Did Jesus Really Say That We Should Hate Our Parents?

I thank God for Christian friends who sent in questions through text messages about the Bible. Among the many questions, they often ask about those scriptures that seem to contradict the teaching of Christ. One of them is from Luke 14:26 where Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” (NKJV).

At first glance, Jesus’ statement seems contradictory to other biblical teachings about loving our parents and family members. One friend told me that it was her non-Christian neighbor who pointed this controversy out to her. That was not the first time that a non-Christian pointed this out. At least, in my own experience, one of my uncles pointed to this statement and sarcastically, told my mother, that if she allowed me to be converted to Christianity, then she would have a son hating her. And he continued that this was contradictory to the Chinese culture of filial piety, At that time, I didn’t understand why Jesus said what he had said. However, later, as I attended Bible College, I began to realize that the only way to understand the intended meaning of this challenging statement by Jesus is to examine the context and cultural understanding of those days.

HONOR PARENTS AND LOVING FAMILY
Jesus, as the personification of the Agape love of God, had taught about the importance of loving God and also loving others. On many teaching occasions, Jesus taught about honoring our parents and valuing our families. For example, Jesus explicitly taught about honoring parents in Matthew 15:3-6.

In this passage, Jesus was rebuking the Pharisees for promoting a non-biblical tradition that allowed people to avoid providing financial support for their aging parents. The Pharisees taught that the money for the parents could be redirected to the temple treasury. Jesus spoke against such hypocrisy and He affirmed that the commandment to honor their father and mother remained valid. And for anyone to nullify this law by upholding the man-made tradition of not taking care of their aged parents would make them hypocrites. Then, why did Jesus advocate the hatred of parents and loved ones? Why did He make this controversial statement?

THE USE OF HYPERBOLE
To fully comprehend, we have to understand what “hyperbole” actually is. It is a communication device commonly used since the time of Christ to make a definite statement, grab attention, produce dramatic effects, and leave an impression. Today, we often use hyperbole without realizing it.

For example: “I’ve told you a million times to clean your room!” This hyperbolic statement is used to emphasize the frequency of the request, even though it may not have been literally a million times.

Another one is “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!” This hyperbole is used to express extreme hunger, suggesting that the person is so famished that they could consume an enormous amount of food.

And let me give you a third one: “I’ve been waiting in this line forever!” This hyperbolic statement is used to emphasize the frustration and impatience of waiting, even if the actual wait time is relatively short.

THE PURPOSE OF JESUS’ HYPERBOLE
Why did Jesus make such a strong hyperbole? The reason is that in the first-century Jewish patriarchal culture, despite the wrong teaching of the Pharisees, the family tie was still deeply cherished and nothing was regarded more highly than respect for parents and lineage. In many instances, they were overdoing it by putting their parents and family as the top priority in their lives instead of God.

Similarly, in the Asian culture, the statement of Jesus continues to bring shock and confusion to unbelievers and new believers alike. I remember that when I was newly saved, my time spent serving in the Church created a lot of displeasure among my family members, especially my parents. On many occasions, I had to miss attending family functions because of church activities. Such a commitment was then misunderstood to be the rejection or hatred of familial bonds. My parents continued to make very detrimental remarks about my commitment to the Lord until they, themselves, got saved. Then, they apologized to me for persecuting me all those years.

NOT HATE BUT LOVE LESS
As we can see, Jesus used the word “hate,” so as to emphasize the need for supreme loyalty and commitment to Him. He wanted His followers to understand that the devotion to Him as the Messiah must take utmost precedence over all other relationships, including those with family members. In fact, if we read the verse carefully, Jesus actually ask us to even hate ourselves when it comes in between our love with God.

Of course, now we know that Jesus absolutely affirmed God’s command to honor our parents within the proper context. And that the New Testament letters perpectually remind us, the disciples of Christ, to continue loving our family members. So hatred is not what Jesus desired – He was saying that we should love all relationships lesser when they are placed in comparison with our love for Christ. His hyperbolic language underscored that dedication to God must come before family and self for authentic discipleship.

In this present age, where the pressures of our society may prevent us from being wholeheartedly committed to our Lord, this hyperbolic message of Jesus serves as a wake-up call. It forces us to reflect upon our spiritual walk. Are we willing to put God above all else in our lives? Are we willing to choose God and deny our families and loved ones if ever demanded? True discipleship is that drastic for it requires unwavering allegiance to Christ through every challenge. There may be a time that we have to “hate” even those closest bonds for the sake of our highest love and purpose in God.