First, it is vitally important to keep in mind that there is a clear difference between soul and spirit according to the Bible.
Secondly, it is equally important to keep in mind that our experience of this distinction greatly affects our progress in the Christian life.
In this article we will consider a simple question: What is the difference between soul and spirit ? Our study will not be primarily on the teaching side of the Bible, but from the aspect of life experience . But before we can get to our experience, we must first have a basis in the word of God.
The Bible reveals that man is made with three parts: spirit, soul and body.
First Thessalonians 5:23 says,
"And may the God of peace sanctify you completely, and may your spirit, soul and body be saved ..."
No one would say that our body and soul are the same, but some people may consider our soul and spirit practically the same. However, 1 Thessalonians 5:23 clearly tells us that our spirit and soul are two distinct parts.
Another verse that emphasizes this distinction is Hebrews 4:12:
"Because the word of God is alive and effective, and more cutting than any two-edged sword, and penetrates to the soul and spirit, joints and marrows ..."
Here are the "joints and marrows", which refer to the body, plus the "soul and spirit", revealing once again that we have these three parts.
It is also important to see that our soul and spirit can be "divided." Therefore, they are different. They can be compared to "joints and marrows." As they are bone, they hide within the joints, because our spirit is hidden in our soul.
Just as we have to cut through the joints to reach the core, we have to cut through the soul to reach the spirit. For this reason, it is often difficult at first to discern between our spirit and our soul.
To illustrate this distinction, we can use the example of three concentric circles:
- The outer circle refers to our body.
Our body is our outer part that contains the five senses with which we contact all the things of the physical and material world.
- The central circle refers to our soul .
Our soul is our inner part that contains our mind, emotion and will with which we come into contact with all the things that are of the psychological realm.
- The inner circle refers to our spirit.
Our spirit is our innermost part with which we communicate with God and corroborate all things in the spiritual realm.
How can we practically divide between our soul and spirit?
So let's consider how we can apply splitting the soul and spirit in our daily Christian life.
Often, our soul is plagued with thoughts of anxiety, annoying feelings and impure intentions. It is a "minefield" that prevents us from enjoying Christ.
Second Timothy 4:22 says,
“The Lord be with your spirit. May the grace be with you".
The Lord is now with our spirit and with him it is God's grace as our enjoyment . But how can we get there? How to get out of this deadly "minefield" of our soul?
We have already mentioned that Hebrews 4:12 speaks of "splitting the soul and the spirit." But it is by the living and operative word of God that the application of this division occurs. It is the word of God, since this sharp sword is capable of piercing our soul in order to break away from our spirit.
The last message that will be given here is: "How can reading the Bible change your life?" Referring to the impressive power of Scripture . The hearts of many have been touched by the word of God to such an extent that they could no longer remain atheists, but chose to become Christians.
These same writings are so powerful that they can also cut through our thick soul, dividing our soul from our spirit. The word of God can stop our thoughts of anxiety, calm our turbulent emotions, and subdue our stubborn will.
As we begin the Bible, we only have to open the Lord, and bow our hearts to him. Then read some verses from the Bible and turn them into short, spontaneous prayers to the Lord thanking, praising or making requests such as when we feel guided. In this way we can enter into communion with him in our spirit.
Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us the difference between soul and spirit . Thank you also for giving us your living and operative word as such a practical way of dividing the soul and the spirit. Lord, remind us to apply your word in prayer, thanksgiving and praise so we can enjoy You in our spirit every day.
Always remember that animals do not have a spirit per se, since they do not seek God. Plants have a body, animals have a body and soul ( which are capable of relating to man and other animals ), but only man has a spirit.
I hope you consider the difference between the soul and the spirit based on the Bible, I am sure it will help you as much as it has helped many.
AUTHOR: JoT333, editor of the great family of hermandadblanca.org
