The purpose of this chapter is to emphasize the key aspects that make the soul different from the spirit, while recognizing that there are many similarities between the soul and the spirit. This distinction is extremely helpful in better understanding salvation, holiness, death, hell and the final judgment day. Blurring the distinction between the soul and spirit can lead to confusion and error in understanding these important truths of the Bible.
Until physical death, the fundamental differences between the soul and the spirit are these:
Unsaved (non-Christian) person:
- Body is alive
- Soul is alive (in control of body of flesh, earthly focused)
- Spirit is dead (connection with God is lost, cannot spiritually discern)
Saved (genuine Christian) person:
- Body is alive
- Soul is alive (soul will be saved on Judgment Day but still earthly focused due to the fleshly desires, but can discern God and spiritual things due to the existence of a born-again spirit)
- Spirit is alive (born again, saved, perfect, in a war with fleshly lusts, connected to God’s spiritual truth, led by the Holy Spirit, spiritual things in the Bible is the focus of the Christian)
Both the Spirit and Soul Experience Emotions
Although some have taught that the soul is the seat of emotions, a careful review of the Bible reveals that this is not true. Both the soul and the spirit experience emotions. It is important to note that the following references is not intended to be exhaustive, but is provided to simply show that both the spirit and the soul have emotions.
Positive Emotions
Spirit:
Love – Ro 15:20, Col 1:18, 2 Tim 1:7, Gal 5:22
Humility – Mat 5:3, Is 51:17, Is 57:15, Is 66:2, Ps 34:18, Pr 16:19, Pr 29:23, Num 14:24
Rejoice– Lk 10:21, Col 2:5
Indignation– John 11:33, 38, 2 Tim 1:7
Humility / contrition – Is 57:15, Ps 34:18,
Gentleness – 1 Cor 4:21, 1 Pet 3:4
Compelled – Acts 18:5, Acts 19:21, Acts 20:22
Fervent – Acts 18:25, Ro 12:11
Soul:
Love – Lk 10:27, Mk 12:30, Ps 42:1, Song 1:7
Magnify / praise – Lk 1:46-47
Humility – Ps 35:13, Lam 3:20
Pleasure – Heb 10:38-39
Rejoice – Is 61:10, Ps 86:4, Ps 35:9
Negative Emotions
Spirit:
Sigh / groan in the spirit – Mk 8:12, Ro 8:23 (see also Mk 7:34, 2 Cor 5:1-4)
Troubled / provoked / stirred – John 13:21, 2 Cor 2:13, Acts 17:16, Is 61:3
Vexed – Ecc 1:14, 17, 2:11, etc.
Haughtiness / pride – Pr 16:18, Pr 29:23
Jealousy – Num 5:14
Lust – Hos 4:12, 5:4
Stupor / spiritual sleep – Ro 11:8, Is 29:10
Fear – 2 Tim 1:7, Ro 8:15
Bitterness – Ez 3:14
Anguish – Job 7:11, Ex 6:9, Job 7:11
Soul:
Desire – Deut 14:26, Jer 22:27, Gen 34:8, Ps 63:1
Suspense (doubt), instability – John 10:24, 2 Pet 2:14
Vexation – 2 Pet 2:8, Job 19:2, Ps 6:3
Lust – Rev 18:14
Fear – Acts 2:43
Tribulation / anguish – Ro 2:9, 1 Sam 30:6, Jud 10:16, Job 30:25
Hate / disdain – 2 Sam 5:8, Ps 107:18, Ez 36:5
Bitterness – 1 Sam 1:10, Job 3:20, Job 7:11
Anguish – Gen 42:21, Ro 2:9
Weary – Jer 4:31
The Soul’s Connection with the Flesh
In Chapter 2, we found that in the original creation, God breathed His spirit into Adam and he became a living soul (Gen 2:7). We saw a relationship between God’s breath and God’s spirit (e.g., Is 42:5, Job 34:14-15). But, it is important to note that by placing the spirit into Adam (flesh), he became a living soul. Therefore, we find that the soul is a product of joining a spirit and flesh.
In Chapter 1, we examined the differences between the spirit and soul in four key Bible passages: 1 Thess 5:23, Heb 4:12, 1 Cor 15:44-45 and Jude 19. In addition, we saw in Lk 23:43-46 and Psalm 31:5 that Jesus’ Spirit went to be with the Father at his death, while His Soul suffered in Hades until His resurrection (Acts 2:25-32, Ps 16:10). The fact that Jesus’ spirit and soul went to different ‘places’ also indicate a difference between the Soul and Spirit of Jesus. On one hand we see that Jesus commended His spirit into the hands of the Father and He told the thief on the cross next to Him who was dying, that they would be together in Paradise that very day. On the other hand, we find in the Bible that when Jesus died, His soul went to be in hades (translated as hell or grave):
He seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.
(Act 2:31-32)
It is important to observe in the above verses that the soul of Jesus is closely identified with the flesh of Jesus in that they were both affected by the death of Jesus Christ (while the Spirit returned to the Father).
In Hebrews 4:12, we find God teaching us that the Word of God can divide asunder between the spirit and the soul. This would not be possible unless these were two different things.
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
(Heb 4:12)
This is another important proof-text that the ‘soul’ and ‘spirit’ are different entities. Although closely connected, the spirit and soul are actually differing parts of a person. As we can see in the above passage in Hebrews 4:12 is that the spirit and soul can be separated. They can be divided asunder.
As we learned in Chapter 1, ‘thoughts’ (Greek: enthumesis) means to deliberate or be ‘in passion’. The word intents is the Greek word ennoia, which literal means ‘in the mind’. Therefore, once again, the parallel of thoughts (soul) and intents (spirit) can be seem as two closely related means for one to take action. The intents involves deliberate decision-making or passion which is related to emotion and the production of actions, while the spirit is related to the deeper inner thinking that is the basis for the actions. However, the soul is connected to passion and the spirit is connected to the mind. In other words, the soul would be more closely tied to the passions of the flesh, while the spirit in more closely connected with the functioning of the mind.
In 1 Corinthians 15:44-45, we find a difference between a soul-body and a spirit-body, which will be granted Christ’s elect in the Resurrection:
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.
(1Co 15:44-45)
…My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word.
(Psa 119:25)
The first body, which is fleshly is that which is from Adam who was made of the earth (1 Cor 15:45-47). The resurrected body is spiritual, which is of the Lord Jesus from heaven (1 Cor 15:47-48). The first ‘soulish-body’ bore the image of Adam, but, the second body bears the image of the heavenly (1 Cor 15:49). Also, we find in Ps 119:25, that one’s soul cleaves closely to the dust of the earth. Therefore, the soul more closely reflects a relationship with the flesh, while the spirit more closely reflects a relationship with God.
These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.
(Jud 1:19)
Jude 19 is another important Scripture that distinguishes between the soul and spirit. Jude 19, in context, is discussing false teachers in the church who are unsaved. They are described as ‘sensual’ (which is actually the Greek word psuchikos, which literally means ‘soulish’). Therefore, this verse could have been translated as describing the false teachers as ‘soulish’ not having the Spirit. In the context, the Spirit would refer to the Holy Spirit, but this verse highlights that one who does not have the Holy Spirit is spiritually dead and the soul is in control of the body. In Romans 8:14-16 teaches us that it is only those whose spirit is led by the Holy Spirit that re the sons of God. If the Holy Spirit is not indwelling a person, the person’s spirit cannot be led and they are effectively spiritually dead and need of a new birth of the spirit (John 3:3-5). To be born again (1 Pet 1:23, John 1:13, 3:3-7) means to be spiritually reborn.
The soul is closely connected to the body (flesh)
Our bodies are soul-bodies (1 Cor 15:44-45) and provides a connection to the physical creation (Ps 119:25)
The life (soul) is in the blood (Lev 17:10-16, John 6:53-54, Gen 9:4, etc.)
The natural (soulish) man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, since they are foolishness to him (1 Cor 2:14)
Soul and Flesh Thirst for God:
…my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is (Psa 63:1, see also Ps 84:2)
The Spirit’s Connection to God
Worship:
God is spirit and they that worship Him, must worship Him is spirit and in truth – John 4:24
The Things of God are Foolishness to the Soul:
- The Bible is spiritual truth
- Written by the Spirit of Christ – 1 Pet 1:11
- Jesus’ words are spirit and life – John 6:63
- The law of God is spiritual – Ro 7:14, Zech 7:12, Ro 8:2, Ro 8:4
- …we have received the spirit of God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God – 1 Cor 2:12
- The Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God – Ro 8:16
- Spirit is in direct conflict with the fleshly body – 1 Cor 3:1, Ro 8:6, Gal 5:17-25 (flesh lusts against the spirit, etc.)
- The soul is created when God creates a spirit and places it into a body
- And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul (Gen 2:7, see also Job 33:4, Is 57:16, Gen 7:22, Ps 18:15, Is 42:5, Job 34:14, etc.)
- The soul is closely connected to the body (flesh)
- Our bodies are soul-bodies (1 Cor 15:44-45) and provides a connection to the physical creation (Ps 119:25)
- The life (soul) is in the blood (Lev 17:10-16, John 6:53-54, Gen 9:4, etc.)
- The natural (soulish) man receives not the things of the Spirit of God, since they are foolishness to him (1 Cor 2:14)
A very important issue to understand is that it is only through our spirit that we can truly understand and know God. Prior to being saved, we are spiritually dead (Eph 2:1-10) and we are blind and deaf to the spiritual truth of God. We can intellectually know God, but we cannot really spiritually understand our relationship until we have been made spiritually alive at salvation (see Mat 13:10-17, 1 Cor 2:6-16). At this time, the Holy Spirit leads our spirit into spiritual truth.
However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, not of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1 Cor 2:6-8
In these verses we clearly see that the truth and wisdom of God is a mystery and is hidden. It has not been revealed to all men. If it had, then as verse 8 clearly tells us they would not have crucified the Lord Jesus Christ and therefore Jesus would not have had the victory over Satan. All men would know about God and superficially follow Him thereby thwarting the work of God. God has designed the present age that only through faith it is only possible to please Him (Heb 11:6). We find in Mat 13:10-16 that God has not revealed spiritual truth to all men, for then all men would follow in their own power. In Christendom today, we hear often the teaching that the Bible is a simple book that all men can understand. That simply is not true. The Bible is a spiritual book with spiritual truth that cannot be understood outside of the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit that is provided through our spirit. At God’s will, He will open the pages of the Bible to our spiritual understanding so that we may be saved and grow in sanctification (see Phil 2:13, 1 Thess 2:13). This is not to say that the natural man cannot understand the historical truths of the Bible or understand basic truths of God. But, it takes the Holy Spirit to open the understanding of the Bible that will result in true salvation and will be effective in our Christian walk.
But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, not heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. 1 Cor 2:9-12
In this Scripture we are told how God has revealed to us spiritual truth. The Holy Spirit is the agent by whom we are able to understand spiritual truth. Because we are indwelt by the Spirit of God (Ro 8:9, 2 Tim 1:14), we have the Holy Spirit bearing witness with our spirit and leading us into all truth (Rom 8:14-16, John 16:12-13, John 14:24-26). He is our Helper who will teach us all things and bring to our remembrance the words of God (John 14:24-26). It is for this reason that very intelligent people cannot truly understand the Bible.
One who is saved, although untrained in learning can more understand the things of God than those who are wise and have all learning yet unsaved. And so, the words of 1 Cor 1:26-31 are fulfilled in that the foolish things of the world shame the wise and the weak things will shame the mighty so that no flesh will glory in God’s sight.
These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Cor 2:13
Instead of needing man’s wisdom in interpreting the Scripture, true Christians can understand spiritual truths by the Holy Spirit dwelling in them. The Bible is a spiritual book with spiritual truth that must be interpreted with itself. In other words, since the whole Bible is inspired by God (2 Tim 3:16), the true Christian will be able to use the Bible including all its words to interpret itself. The Christian does not need shelves of commentaries and other analyses by men to help him understand.
But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he who is spiritual judges all things yet he himself is rightly judged by no one…For ‘who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?’ But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor 2:14-16
The natural man is a person who is soulish. The word translated as ‘natural’ is actually the word for ‘soulish’ (similar to Jude 19 discussed previously). The natural man (i.e., the unsaved soulish man) cannot receive spiritual truth because it is foolishness to him (see also 1 Cor 1:18). The spiritual man (i.e., the saved) judges all things. God in His sovereign grace has chosen to reveal spiritual truth to His elect and has allowed those who are not elect to be blinded. He then who is spiritual will judge all things. In other words, he has the discernment of the Holy Spirit within himself in order to perceive those things that are right and wrong. The true Christian’s and other’s sin will grieve the spiritual person since he judges all things. By judging ourselves and our sin (1 Cor 11:31), we will grow in sanctification by the Holy Spirit. The word of God will effectively work in us (1 Thess 2:13) through the illumination of the Holy Spirit so that we may be able to grow on the pure milk of the word of God (1 Pet 2:2). Additionally, those who are spiritual will follow the truth:
We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 1 John 4:6
Those who truly know God and are saved will hear what the Bible teaches. Because they understand the Bible, they will tend to follow those who preach the truth of the Bible. This was stated by the apostle Paul to the Corinthians as well. In 2 Cor 13:6, he trusted that the Corinthians would know that he was not disqualified. In other words, he trusted that the Corinthians would truly recognize the word of God and not be in rebellion to the word thereby proving that they were not truly saved. This encouragement was just after he warned them to examine them selves to see whether they were in the faith (2 Cor 13:5).
The following Scriptures testify to the fact that our communion (relationship) to God is by our saved spirit (as illuminated by the Holy Spirit t our spirit):
But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.
(Job 32:8)
He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.
(Pro 17:27)
And might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation; a generation that set not their heart aright, and whose spirit was not stedfast with God.
(Psa 78:8)
There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin. He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk ac cording to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1-4
The Christian’s Spirit is in Conflict with the Flesh
As we will examine in more detail later, all people who are unsaved are spiritually dead:
- The Spiritual Death of Humankind
- Forbidden fruit
- Eyes opened, be as gods, knowing good and evil – Gen 3:5
- In the day you eat of it, you shall die – Gen 2:17
- Humankind spiritually died that day
- Humankind to return to dust (body) – Gen 3:19
- The soul that sins shall die – Eze 18:4 (Judgment Day)
- Death passed onto all people since all have sinned – Ro 5:12
- Forbidden fruit
- Many Scriptures Discuss Humankind is Spiritually Dead
- Dead in trespasses and sins – Eph 2:1-5, Col 2:13
- Arise from the dead and Christ shall give you light – Eph 5:14
- Follow me and let the dead bury their dead – Mat 8:22
- We know we have passed from death to life because we love the brethren – 1 John 3:14
- Christians are made Spiritually Alive (Born Again / Risen)
- Made alive with Christ (by grace ye are saved) – Eph 2:5
- Risen with Christ – Col 3:1
- Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…that which is born of the Spirit is spirit – John 3:3-8
- Being born again…of incorruptible seed, by the Word of God – 1 Pet 1:21-23
We find that a person who is saved is made spiritually alive. This results in a conflict between the flesh and the spirit:
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
(Gal 5:16-23)
For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
(Rom 8:5-7)
For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
(Rom 8:13)
That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
(Joh 3:6)
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
(Gal 3:3)
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
(Gal 4:29)
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
(Gal 6:8)
For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
(Php 3:3)
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
(1Co 3:1)
For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
(2Co 10:3-4)
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
(Rom 7:14)
The Spirit vs. the Flesh in Romans 8:1-13:
“There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin. He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk ac cording to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:1-4
Romans Chapter 8 begins by an assurance that those who are in Christ Jesus, i.e., the saved have no condemnation. The Mosaic Law brought in condemnation and consigned all under sin since when the law came in, sin abounded all the more (Ro 5:20, 7:713). However, those who have been saved are no longer under this condemnation. Verse 1 reveals a characteristic of the saved which forms a central teaching in the early part of this chapter. The characteristic of true Christians is that they do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. In this phrase, Romans 7:14-25 is linked with the thought of chapter 8. While Paul recognized his sin in the flesh in 7:14-25, in chapter 8 he begins by developing the theme that true Christians will walk according to the Spirit. By so doing they will be more sensitive to their sin and they will grow from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18). The law of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the true believer has set the believer’s mind free from the carnal earthly law of sin and in its end, death. The thought of freedom accords with the words of Christ in John 8:30-32 where He said that His true disciples will know the truth and the truth will set us free. We know the truth because he has sent the Holy Spirit into our hearts (John 14:23-24, John 16:12-13) so that we will be enlightened and led by the Spirit (Gal 5:18). And God sent His Son to die to fulfill the righteous requirement of the law. The Holy Spirit has been sent so that the righteous requirement of the law (verse 4) may be fulfilled in us. In other words, we as Christians will be enabled to grow into doing what is right.
“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.” Romans 8:5
Verse 5 is an important clarification of exactly what is meant by those who walk according to the flesh and those who walk ac cording to the Spirit. Verse 5 teaches us that the battle is in our minds. If we are walking according to the flesh, our minds will be preoccupied with the things of the flesh. However, if we are walking in the Spirit, our minds are preoccupied with Spiritual things. It must be emphasized that those who set their minds on the flesh are not saved and those who set their minds on the Spirit are saved (see verse 1). This important fact is expounded by Paul in verses 6-9.
“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His.” Romans 8:6-9
Verse 6 clearly states that those who are carnally (i.e., fleshly) minded are abiding in death. Death here must clearly be understood as the eternal state of the individual who is not saved. This state is eternal separation from God. However, the individual who is saved (and therefore has his mind on the Spirit) is assured the fruits of his salvation, life and peace. By life, it is understood eternal life. The carnal mind is enmity against God. Man is in sin due to the fall of Adam (Ro 5:12-21) and no one does good (Ro 3:9-23). Therefore, the one who is not saved and is controlled by the flesh is against God. They are not fulfilling the righteous requirement of the law (verse 4) and they cannot please God (verse 8). Verse 9 is very explicit. Only those who are truly saved have the Holy Spirit indwelling them. If they do, then their minds will be on the things of the Spirit.