Explore the tripartite nature of humans—spirit, soul, and body—in light of 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and Genesis 1:26. This post examines the unique functions of each entity, their roles in human life, and the biblical understanding of sanctification and spiritual growth.
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Thessalonians 5:23
In the following days, we shall meditate on the confusing issue of the spirit, the soul and the body of humans. We will discuss the differences there are between these entities, their individual operations and functions, how each can be enhanced and cultivated, as well as the final destination for each of them.
In Genesis 1:26, God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.” The Bible later introduced God to us as a tripartite Being: “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one” (1 John 5:7). Therefore, when God set out to create humans in His image and likeness, He also made a tripartite creature, just like Himself. He created a spirit being who has a soul and lives in or operates through a body.
Some scholars usually interpret the spirit and soul to be the same thing or perform the same functions. No, they are not the same, nor do they do the same thing. As our reference scripture above states, the spirit, the soul and the body are separate entities, and they perform distinct functions unique to each of them.
The spirit is the entity that animates the body and supplies it with the energy to live. It gives life (read John 6:63 and 2 Corinthians 3:6). Blood is the tangible representation of the spirit. That is why the Bible says ‘the life of every creature is in its blood’ (Leviticus 17:11, 14). Once a creature is drained of blood, the spirit departs from such being and he/she/it becomes a lifeless body.
To be continued…
You will succeed in Jesus Name!
Also read:
Discover more from Daily Dew Devotional
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
