Welcome!

QUESTION 179
Please, explain the different between Spirit, Soul and Body.

ANSWER:
God did three things when He created man.

• He made him Genesis 1:26
  
• He created him Genesis 1:27.
  
• He formed him Genesis 2:7.
  

He formed the body out of the dust of the ground. Genesis 2:7. That was the house for his spirit and soul. He breathed into him the breath (spirit) of life. This never existed before, so human life was created Genesis 1:27. The word "create" means to bring into being out of nothing that existed before. This is not true of the body of man. He formed it out of the dust of the earth. As a result, of creating life in that body He became (was made) a living soul.

This made him a tripartite being, body, soul and spirit. This is the image of God, a triune Being. Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

• The body is the house we live in.
  
• The soul is that which gives us personality and self consciousness.
  
• The spirit of a save person give him God consciousness. The spirit of the unsaved is dead (separated) from God. Ephesians 2:1
  

The only image God has of Himself is the man that He created. This is very important and the reason why God tells His people to make and have no images. Exodus 20:4. Now in redemption the same three words, created, make and formed are used. Isaiah 43:6. Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.

Christians are created by the new birth. They are formed, shaped up by the power of the Gospel that saved them. And they will be made (complete) when the Lord comes. What about you? Have you been born again? Have you repented of your sins? Have you trusted Christ?

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

Return to Salvation Questions Main Page

Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen