Are the Soul and the Spirit Two Separate Things?


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A friend sent me an question by email and as I thought about how to respond, my interest in it grew to the point I thought it would make a good discussion point on this blog.

Here’s what she asked:

Q. My sister just asked if I could tell her the difference between soul and spirit. I thought I’d pick you’re brain. Let me know what you may have on the subject.

A. I really don’t want this to come across as a point of theological controversy. I think it’s far more important to focus on the Father, knowing we are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14 However, when I think about what makes us “created in the image of God” Genesis 1:26-27 I see clues to other mysteries contained in Scripture.

Understand, this is my opinion, and one that I’m not willing to turn into a test of orthodoxy.

Why does Paul say:

we are saved (Eph 2:8)

we are being saved (1 Cor 1:18) and

that we will be saved (Rom 10:9) ?

Could it be that like our Triune Creator, we are tripartate in nature?

Could it be our Spirit, seated in heavenly places with Christ is saved? (Ephesians 2:6) The Spirit is that part of our being that was once dead, but came alive in Christ. It is the “inner person” – our eternal being (even though we’ll have an incorruptible body in heaven.) Our Spirit is the breath of God first breathed into Adam (Gen 2:7)

Our Soul is our personality, reason and emotion. It can be called our heart (Prov 4:23), mind (Romans 12:2), or conscience (Acts 23:1). Could it be these are all things that can become more like Christ as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling? (Philippians 2:12)

Paul goes on to say in Philippians (3:19-21) that our body can be destroyed or transformed to be like Christ’s glorious body. It’s not that our body is bad – Jesus thought it was important enough to take on human flesh himself. It is without doubt our body that will be saved.

Now is it as cut-and-dry as this? Only if you keep it simple. I find it much like discussing the Triune nature of God. Focusing too much on any one clue can lead us away from the important. God is Father Son and Spirit. It’s easy to say, but when you consider their similarities and differences and that there is One God, it gets quite confusing for our created minds to comprehend our Creators.

I find our tripartate beings mysterious as well, so if someone wants to suggest what I define as the Spirit is the Soul and the Soul is the Spirit, I’m OK with that. But based on Hebrews 4:12 I believe the Bible teaches the Soul and Spirit are two different essences. Psalm 31:9 shows the soul and body are connected and Ecclesiastes 12:6-7 show the Spirit and the body are connected.

So, I suggest like our Triune Creator in whose image we are fearfully and wonderfully made, we are tripartate in nature to reflect His glory.

Take time to consider it. It’s good to think on what God has revealed to us about Himself until our brains hurt, every once in a while. It helps us worship Him in all reverence and awe.

I’m Trevor Lund, a Christian Writer, Christian Speaker and Lead Dreamer for Expectancy Ministries. My passion is imparting hope and empowering destiny in others. Get resources for fasting for negativity from www.LifeAbovetheNegativity.com
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My name is Trevor Lund. I'm a Christian Speaker, Author and Lead Dreamer for Expectancy Ministries. I love to impart hope and empower destiny with creative communication, memorable motivation and applicable inspiration.

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