Body and Soul?

We recognize that we have a material part and an immaterial part and so, usually leaving it at that, we say man comprised of both body and soul. But we are more than body and soul. The Bible says that we are body, soul and spirit.

"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)

So as God is in three (Father, Son, Spirit) so are we in three parts. The material part is the body or flesh. The immaterial part is divided into two vastly different components; one carnal and one spiritual. We have a soul and a spirit. Understanding how they relate to each other will empower our Christian walk.

Again you see in the verse above that the 'whole' consists of three: spirit, soul and body. Now take a look at chapter 4 of the book of Hebrews.

"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

The word of God is sharp enough to divide soul and spirit. The inference (and we always want to be careful with inferences) is that, although this is within the purpose and power of the word, without the word such division would not be possible.

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