There is often much confusion in religious circles over the meanings of the words "soul" and "spirit". This is due mainly to the application of numerous scriptures in the Bible, which on the surface at least, appear to be inconsistent in their usage. A key to their relationship, is in the observed evidence that both the human body and the human spirit are in actuality separable {i.e. death}, but there is often much confusion in religious circles over the true meanings of these two little words. The words "soul" and "spirit", both in their definition and in the actual substance which they describe, are in reality separable by no other means, except through a literal definition of their individual characteristics. As a created spiritual substance, they remain in a perpetual state of togetherness and union. However, in their assemblage, they are uniquely distinct one from another….all the while remaining divinely fused in what could be described as an undividable division.

The sum total of the spirit nature ascribed to humanity, is evidently separate and distinct from the fleshly physical body it occupies. We are told, "there is a spirit in man" (Job. 32:8) and that it is God that "formeth the spirit of man within him." (Zec.12:1). The prophet Daniel proclaims, "I Daniel was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me." (Dan 7:15). Speaking of the makeup of mankind, Job states, "his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn." See also scriptures such as 1Cor.2:11; 6:20; Matt 10:28; 26:41; 1Jn 4:1-3; 2Kgs 4:27; Job 10:8-12. Amazingly, some religious people who say they believe the word of God, do not at all believe that man has a spirit....that he has a "spiritual body". However, the Bible says different. "There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body….The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last was made a quickening spirit." 1Cor.15:44,45.

We find in scripture, that in conjunction with the body, the "soul" is not exactly the same as the "spirit", neither in function, nor in usage. The spirit, the soul, and the body all have separate and distinct purposes and functions. Therefore we pray to God, "your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."1Th. 5:23. See also Heb.4:12 and Lk.1:46,47. The term "soul" is often indistinguishable and confusing to the natural mind, especially when used interchangeably with the word "spirit". For example, in passages such as Psa. 35:9 and Isa. 61:10, it is the soul that is said to rejoice with God. Yet, in Lk.1:4, we find it is the spirit which is rejoicing. In Ac 17:16, it is Paul’s spirit which was said to be stirred within him. In Matt. 26:38, we find human emotions associated with the mind and soul. In Jn.13:21 they are associated with the spirit.

This all can be understood and basically reconciled, in the understanding that the human soul specifically, is but a basic integral and functional part of one complete spiritual body---an ethereal body or entity called "the spirit." In the divinely desired and continued processing of this spiritual unit, only the intervening holy Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus, can bring the human soul into a functionally mature state of true peace and harmony in the spirit of true holiness.

Basically, the human soul is that essential portion of the complete human spirit which expresses the unique qualities and characteristics of humanity in every individual. More specifically, it is the expressed essence of an inner being, the inner self manifested through the mind, will, and emotions. The soul of man is essentially the spiritual conduit of the multifaceted nature and character of his spirit.

We can observe a facimile and gain somwhat of a clearer understanding of the differences between soul and spirit in the makeup of a light bulb. Think of the spirit of man as as an energized receptacle of human life. We can liken the glass container itself which has shape and form unto man’s spirit. The unseen substance (air or vacuum) in the interior of the bulb is that which can be likened unto the soul. The primary divine spark of life and energy (life-force) called Spirit (God) is the igniter of the soul and is that which which expresses existence and which makes human thinking or mental thought processes possible. It brings it to light so to speak. These facits of soul come from within a an entity or individual form called the human spirit. Without electricity (the primary force of God) there is no light (soul life) being generated or expressed in the bulb (spirit). Electricity, (God) producing light (life of the soul) and energy (that which produces the light) flows in from an outside source (in reality from an inside source) and radiates internally through the whole of the bulb (the spirit) giving the spirit its life (light).

In the genesis of man’s natural creation, God breathed out a portion of His Spirit [a portion of His own Spirit life] in the form of a spoken creative word of faith---thus bringing into existence, the natural world and natural life-Jn.1:1-4,9. This omnipotent living word brought forth into physical existence, the animal, vegetable, and mineral kingdoms along with all other created elements. All flesh was brought forth in the preferred order and form of the Creator. Humanity was uniquely created to receive, as well as to eventually hold, not only a natural life force sustained of God, but also to retain a much higher eternal life force...that of God’s own spiritual nature.

In the beginning, man’s natural life and existence was designedly made subject to the ordained vanities of death. Yet mercifully, in that process, he has also been made subject in a most glorious hope....’for the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him (God) who hath subjected the same in hope" Ro. 8:20. Ironically, the seed of man was divinely appointed to enter into death (Heb.9:27), to experience and go through death, to finally emerge out of all forms of death---entering into eternal life through the process of death itself - 1Cor.15:36,37; Jn. 12:24. Through the power of Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross (Heb.9:15), man has been empowered to come out of the death of carnality and self by learning to die daily -1 Cor. 15:31. In loosing his own ungodly life, he is guaranteed a much higher and greater form of life - Mk,8:34,35.

Within man’s mortal flesh is a spiritual life and nature primarily created in the eternal image of God. Many faculties and attributes of God’s personal nature and spirit, including undeveloped but potential capacity for faith, hope, and true charity, were imparted to man in his genesis - Gen.1:27; 2:7. For the believer in any dispensation, faith is an actual creative substance and product of the Christ Spirit within them. Hope is a generated essence that penetrates the soul, and charity is the apparent evidence of each of these products which the Lord desires to be manifest throughout the spirit, soul and body. Every individual who is not yet in the process of rebirth (Jn.3:3,7; 1Ptr,1:23) and regeneration (Tit.3:5), unknowingly awaits the quickening breath and voice of God to give knowledge and acceptance of that eternal life of Christ within -Ro.10:6-10.

The hidden dormant seed of Christ’s Spirit lies deep within the fertile soil of mankind’s unregenerate spirit. Truly, darkness remains upon the face of the deep. Only when He is ready to arise and open the divinely closed door of man’s heart and mind, can they then begin to hear Christ say from within, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." Rev 3:20. The undiscovered Christ remains "as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts." 2 Pet 1:19. Out of the deep murky waters of man’s personal spirit is revealed the voice and the holy Spirit of Christ Himself -1 Cor. 2:10-12. "Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts." Psa. 42:7.

In the original process of God dividing the light from the darkness and the waters above the firmament from the waters below (Gen.chptr.one), the spirit of man was brought forth out of the bosom of God. He was made manifest in the form and nature of an independent, individual being. In type, the word of God divided asunder soul from spirit. A human body was formed around this creation whom God omnipotently formed from the elements of the earth, and man became a living physical soul. This divinely created and energized form of soulish life which had its origin in the mind of God, was designed to be unique from all other creations. In many ways, mankind was created in/with the basic nature and character of His Maker. Ask for our booklet entitled "In His Image." Yet, it is obvious according to their experience in Eden, that these rudimentary qualities mankind were given needed much perfecting and maturing.

Mankind was created from the beginning, to be the perpetual dwelling place of the fullness of God’s omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent Spirit. Man is still in the process of being "builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."-Eph. 2:22. Therefore, we who are his children, now hearing his voice, should be found dying to self, "always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body" (2 Cor. 4:10)..."for we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh." 2 Cor. 4:11.

The internal, unobservable structural creation of the adamic man’s body, was designed by our Creator so as to be both incorporeal and invisible to the natural senses. Actually, the personal spirit of man had its true genesis in the heavens - Gen.chapter one. It was not created out of "nothing" but rather from the spiritual substance of the Creator Himself. At the point of creation, it yet was far from its planned ultimate perfection. According to the divinely foreordained plan and purpose of the Creator, this spirit man was separated and put out from God into a lower realm of the heavens called the earth. It was here, that "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. The first man Adam was made a living (flesh surrounded spirit) soul -1Cor 15:45. He was intentionally given a natural, physical body through which he could operate and express the existence of his spirit....a spirit aptly described as being "clothed" and "fenced." Job 10:11,12.

Man was originally and purposely made a little lower than "Elohim." Psa.8:5. Both his spiritual and his physical creation began in a lower realm than that of the Creator and His angels. Regretfully for him, he was in need of some of the higher attributes and glory of other Elohim. Yet believe it or not, this was wholly according to the plan and will of God for man to at first be found lacking ---and hence made subject to forthcoming throes of evil and vanity -Rom.8:20; Eccl.3:1-11.

Resident within Adam in the creation of his newly formed physical body, was also a non materialistic body. This body or receptacle was the human spirit which contained the human soul. The female part of Adam, which his soul was in type, was divinely separated and brought forth into the world to be his constant "helpmeet". In a spiritual sense also, the soul was created to eventually become united with, and wholly subject unto lovingly serving the spirit….serving it in a perfected union of divine love...the ultimate marriage relationship. A perfect God can be satisfied with no less than a perfect creation operating in perfect harmony and union with Himself. So, according to plan, the once independent spirit-soul of man is being divinely processed by the holy Spirit to become one within man and one with his God...one in the fullness of His will and the in the holiness of His Spirit.

In its original disobedience, this soul [Eve] in its primordial inherent weakness and immaturity, was the first to entertain sin and become subject to the personal knowledge and concept of both good and evil. The spirit [Adam in type], also in its latent and undeveloped state, together with the soul, followed her headlong into an even lower state and realm which came to be known as the first "death." This death does not merely entail physical dying. It involves any state of existence which lacks the life giving Spirit of God. It includes any state or realm of existence in natural life, as well as any state or condition beyond mere physical death that yet remains apart from the ever-existing pure and holy "life" of the Spirit of God.

"Death" is the result of any or all kinds of sin whether it be imputed, moral, or physical. Death is synonymous with all forms of sin. In all of creation there is but one way for humanity to escape from the deadly clutches of sin. "The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."- Rom.6:23; Jn,5:24; Rom.7:10-13; 8:6. So, in its overall sense, death is the absence of the Spirit of Life in Christ. In truth, nowhere in scripture is it to be found as a total spiritual extermination or annihilation of anyone’s physical or spiritual existence. In no way is this spiritual death speaking of non existence. Rather, it speaks of an existence in unrighteousness and ungodliness - Matt.8:22; Lk.9:60; 1Tim.5:6.

In the beginning, only God had the maturity and wisdom to exercise His own independent will after a manner that would befit his absolute holy nature and character. Man in his original creation did not. His nature and character was in God’s likeness, but was designedly immature and not developed fully in the image of God’s holiness. Like unto his Creator, he had the capacity to exercise a will but unlike God, he yet had no idea of its workings or what the potential consequences of operating his own free will could bring. How could he know? He had no understanding, no experience, no fear, no wisdom. Hence he had no knowledge. What man had was an untried, unproven and unholy self-will.

It was always part of God’s will that man’s will become holy and mature exactly like unto the nature of His own will. That it be one in unison with His without exception. The whole plan of creation, redemption and restitution was designed and instigated by God to bring this about, and He which began this wholly sovereign work is wholly obligated to finish it. Could He have accomplished this some other way? No doubt! But who are we to question the way He decided to do this? Who are we to question or ever effectively resist His will? The Creator willed his creation to gain experience, knowledge and wisdom in all things through divine processing.

He began the process by creating mankind in a state of "lacking" and in a place whereby his surroundings and circumstances would ensure the carrying out of every aspect of this divine plan of creation. Knowing only too well that man was to experience the divine process and harsh consequences of independent choice, the Lord had mercifully planned beforehand for his eventual redemption and restoration. God established an elementary and necessary law of obedience with mankind when He told man in effect that he ought not to partake of something, for "in the day" (Gen.2:17; 3:5) that he did he was surely going to reap the consequences-Gen.2:17; 3:3. In the Lord’s eyes, it was never really a matter of...if he did…but when he did.

In acts which appear on the surface to be wholly apart from God’s will, man exercised his will. Egoism, contained in the independent willful choice to act contrary to the personally established law of God at that time, was a part and parcel of man’s original sin. Eve acted first, independently from Adam. The soul acted independently from the direction of the spirit. Adam then acted independently from the Spirit of God. A form of evil in the independent act of human self-will was made manifest in the creation. The reality that man’s own spirit was a part of God’s Spirit went unrealized and was lost. Man who was formerly God conscious became self conscious. Close intimate communion with the Creator was subsequently lost. Man’s soul [Eve] caused the whole soul and eventually the spirit also, to slowly enter into the vanities of that newly emerging state of being called "death"- Gen.2:17. The Bible tells us the spirits of all men now enter the earth born spiritually "dead in trespasses and sins." Eph. 1:1; Ro.5:12.

The original Hebrew in Gen.2:17 reads..."dying thou shalt die." The Creator slowly withdrew at least the knowledge and understanding of His divine life and light from the heart and mind of man. The developing darkness of death was being brought to light! The whole creation eventually sunk into a shadowy realm of death and depravity; into state of being far removed from that of the holiness of God. There in that "valley of the shadow of death", man generally experiences not only death’s vanities and evils, but also many positive things that we call "goodness and mercy". Mercifully, there remains a form of life and morality far beyond just "good" that God has not only planned but also provided for man to attain. Mankind as a whole has yet to learn that holiness contains goodness but all things good are not necessarily in the realm of true holiness. The body, the soul and the spirit of man are all involved in the lengthy process of learning such truths. Without the heavenly intervention of the holy Spirit as teacher and guide, man would be left to his own ungodly devices to wallow in his sin and ignorance forever.

In its basic but personally individualistic form, the word "spirit" as such, pertains to, and encompasses, the whole sum total of man’s inner spiritual being. This includes "the soul". Individually, "spirit" becomes "the spirit" of man. Spirit, as an intangible substance, defines God’s existence. It is the core of God’s makeup and also makes up the nucleus and core of man’s being. That which is termed "soul" is also necessarily included in this inner spirit core, although it is to be seen only as the functional part of it. Spirit is the very essence or spark of a mysterious form of energy that makes up man’s very being. This divine energy made manifest in the form of "a spirit" is the principle of all human life. Man’s spirit substance, is that basic principle of energized matter that generates control over all activities which define one’s self identity and consciousness. The human spirit is made up of mysterious immaterial elements of matter that, together with a material body, constitute an individual human being.

The "spirit" as a whole, is the existent presence or being of our basic personhood. It is the real individual "I". It is what the inner you basically is. The spirit, the "hidden" "inner man" is the "heart" or life center of our being - 1Ptr.3:4; Eph.3:15. The human soul is to be seen as a shallower or lower, very changeable part of self, which together with the spirit makes up not only what you are but also who you are! You think, you feel, therefore you are. But you only are…because He is! You exist because He exists. You exist for Him and He for you. He lives for you and now you can begin to live for Him.

As a believer in Christ and an enlightened son of God, you are more than who you may think you are. You are made manifest as an individual spiritual "self" created in the image of God but not yet perfected or finished. Right now you are yourself, gradually learning that in reality you are also a divine expression of Himself. You as a person, are a spirit that lives in a body in order to outwardly express not only your soul but His as well. You were created to express God’s spiritual image as well as your self image. He has created you as an offspring of Himself and the entire creation is eagerly awaiting the full manifestation of these sons of Himself-Ro.8:19.

Your spiritual body, the inner man, both contains and conveys outwardly the living power and existence of a natural animate life. This is done through the agency of the soul which is in union with the five natural senses of the flesh body. Your natural body expresses to an extent the presence of a living power, namely that of your spirit, and of a grand truth, that of His Spirit also. Of course, the prime ability for these spirit-soul bodies to function and dwell alive, in what could be referred to as the natural life of human nature on earth, comes from God Himself-Isa. 42:5; Ac. 17:25b. It comes through Jesus Christ who is the expressed image of the invisible God (Jn.1:9; He.1:3), the first distinguished of every creature-Col.1:15.

Much more can be said in defining the differences between the human spirit and soul. In their innate union they are virtually indivisible. Yet, in singular form and content, both take on distinguishable elements and characteristics of this unified life force. Both spirit and soul make up what is known as a spiritual body. This spiritual body can exist both within or without a physical body, much like a peanut with or without its shell.

It is the human spirit which harbors the sum total of all human attributes, both good and evil. Our Creator purposes these attributes to become holy. The human spirit contains within its intrinsic makeup, an ethereal yet integral dimension of the body and spirit called the soul. Of a truth, the spirit of man comprises his whole spiritual body which also includes something called "soul". The human spirit as a whole is an invisible, singular, divinely created vessel and form of life through which the ever present power of the soul is generated and displayed. The human spirit has a unique spiritual form. Its form and substance can only be detected through spiritual means.

The human soul has no similar nor particular spiritual form nor substance and can be experienced and recognized through both physical and mental senses as well. The soul is really the unconfined self-expressed power of the spirit which is observed outwardly in human emotional activity. Therefore, the soul of man does not contain the spirit per se, but the spirit of man does contain "soul" or "the soul". The soul is the expression and reflection of the inner man of the spirit.

In its simplest form, the soul is the collective conscious carnal mind together with the subconscious mind…that barren virgin part of the soul which in salvation receives the seed of the Spirit. It is here in the loins or womb of the mind where one is enabled to become God conscious. It is in this part of the mind where regeneration and fruitfulness of the soul takes place in gradual union with the Spirit of God and the spirit of man. It is the womb of the man child, the mature son that is being formed within the feminine soul. It is the part of one’s soul that cannot be destroyed by any form of death. Again, in spiritual terms, this is the real tabernacle of David which God is restoring. It is the part of the soul within our spiritual tabernacle which is yet in the wilderness, which is the most holy place. Herein is the mind of the spirit even the mind of Christ. Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He does dwell with them and in them. Even now, it is Christ in them, the hope of full glory.

That part of the soul which involves the carnal mind is not being restored. It is being replaced. Unaided, it remains in union only with the unregenerate heart or spirit of man and could never come into a righteous union with the Spirit of God. Why? Because the carnal mind is enmity against God and not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be - Rom.8:7. The spirit is as a bridegroom and the soul as his bride. A couple that are destined to be joined in holy union.

Unlike the spirit, the soul is not an actual spiritual entity which could ever actually be seen in the likeness of a personal form or shape. The soul does not give real life to the spirit, but rather expresses outwardly the presence of the living spirit’s existence in life. The soul is actually found and revealed in the conscious manifest expression of the spirit-self. It is the operational, functional part and portion of man’s spirit. One could also say that the power of the soul expresses the fact of the natural self-life of the individual human spirits’ existence through its thought word activity.

The soul personifies the spirit. It is the agent of the spirit. The spirit itself, is the primary carrier and container of a human life. The soul personifies this life, being an expressive channel of the spirits’ invisible existence. It is made evident and displayed on the surface, in and through our body of flesh. God has purposed for His own holy spiritual life to be realized through your soul and spirit so that you may become one with Him in the earth. Eventually, mankind is to become the fourth and completed part of the Godhead bodily. The number four in scripture signifies a basic universal completion---God’s creative process completing its work in bringing all mankind into His likeness and image.

Another way to comprehend the differences between soul and spirit is to understand the soul as being an ethereal, incorporate collection of personal spiritual elements and qualities, all embodied by, and encased in, the human spirit. The soul is composed of self conscious intellect, feeling and emotions, either positive or negative, which are an essential part of the personal spirit---the real person.

The Bible says that consideration is of the soul -Psa.13:2. So is memory - Lam.3:20. The reactive powers of personal spirit-life force, mysteriously generate and form thought patterns determining one’s character, inner motive temperament, mannerisms, habits, ideas, imaginations, convictions, principles, affections, desires etc. which are all divinely and marvelously transmitted into the other fleshly realms of existence----by or through the mind. In essence, the mind interprets or brings into sentience, conception or birth the mental components and assertations of seed thought. In spiritual realities, the spirit of man is the father of all our ungodly thoughts which tend only towards death, even spiritual abortion. The Spirit of Christ within our spirit is the Father of righteous and godly thoughts - Eph.4:24. "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." Ro.8:6.

The Spirit of Christ, in union with the soul,or the mother of thought, does progressively conceive life and truth, conceiving and bringing into maturity "in the spirit of your mind" (Eph.4:23), in "the inward man" (2Cor.4:6) that "new man"(Eph.4:24), even "the man child" - Rev.12:5. Man’s soul in type and shadow is "a woman…being with child…travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered." Rev.12:1,2. Therein, a new creation spiritual body is being formed in this soul…which soul is also the womb of that spiritual "mother of us all", the new Jerusalem woman -Gal. 4:26. In further type, this new soul, is now "made a quickening spirit"(1Cor.15:45), even a "new creature" - 2Cor.5:17; Gal.6:15. Our new creation man (male, spirit), which in a divine immaculate conception has become one with "the body of Christ" even "the body, the church" (Col.1:18) "the wife" "the bride" (Rev.21:9,10), is now growing and being prepared in the womb (mind) of this bride who is making herself ready - Rev.18:7. She is ready to give birth in outward manifestation to the life which is hidden within her.

This newly created child of the spirit is in the process of being spiritually "caught up" in this the coming of our Lord -1Ths.4:17. This many membered body, a corporate male son, shall in his maturity, be "caught up" unto God’s throne (Rev.3:21) meaning "delivered" and "set..on high" (Psa.91:14) in spiritual power and ruling authority (Rev.12:5; 2:26;27; 5:10; 11:15; 20:6; 22:5), "and so shall (they) we ever be with the Lord." 1Ths.4:17. This "man child" is not the literal Christ as is commonly believed. Jesus was not caught up as a child, nor was he caught up before Mary, the one who literally brought Him forth, fled into the wilderness to Egypt -Rev.12:5,6.

In another type, these are "the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb….they are without fault before the throne of God." Rev.14:4,5. These harvested firstfruit of the New Testament spiritual Israel (Ro.11:16) shall be "filled with all the fullness of God" (Eph.3:19) having in birth, come "unto a perfect (mature corporate) man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ." Eph.4:13. Meanwhile, there continues an earnest and intense longing and expectation of the whole of creation, who knowingly or unknowingly, waiteth for this complete and mature glorious "manifestation of the sons of God." Ro.8:19; Heb.2:10; Gal.4:6. Christ being formed and birthed in you is your only hope of this glory - Col.1:27;Gal.4:19; 1Ths.1:10-12. O Lord, "He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches." Rev.2:29.

In the parable of the Sower, our mind is the soil wherein seed was planted. The fruit produced depends on the condition of the soil. In another type or pattern, we see that like unto natural children, our thoughts are conceived. The seed thoughts of man originate in the spirit or heart (1Chr.28:9; Matt.9:4; Lk.5:22) and are planted into the mind, soul, or womb by either the circumcised or uncircumcised heart which is in spiritual likeness of the male reproductive organ -Ro.2:29; 1Chr.29:17,18; Psa.111:1. The seed (Greek. "sperma") word is produced by the spirit (husband) and received into the womb of the wife (soul) in order to be conceived. It can be conceived in either evil thought or word, or in good or righteous thought or word…in godly thoughts (Psa.94:19; Prv.16:3) that "ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God"(Ro.15:6) "that ye stand fast in one spirit and one mind" (Phil.1:27) in "the thoughts of the Lord" Mic. 4:12. "The word (seed) 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.

On the other hand, we see the evil heart producing evil or unrighteous thoughts for also "out of the heart proceed evil thoughts" Matt.15:19; Prv.12:20; Zec.7:10; 8:17; Psa.140:2; Jer.4:14; Gen.6:5 etc. When any such thing is conceived…for example "when lust is conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." Jas.1:15; Prv.15:26. You who have Christ in you as your hope of glory have the power to make the decision when you receive such thoughts and imaginations whether to conceive them or not. For those who are often

condemned by evil thoughts, take comfort in knowing this truth…that until that thought is conceived in either word or in deed, it is not yet considered sin. They who have learned to overcome these thoughts through the Spirit are those who are "enduring temptation." Jas.1:12. Their attitude and prayer is "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts. Psa.139:23. "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right (upright) spirit within me." Psa.51:10; 111:1; Isa.55:7; Psa. 16:3. Thoughts are images and they can be put to use creating either vain imaginations or the image of Christ!

It is not flesh and blood that is our enemy but rather the carnal mind of man, "the chambers of his imagery" (Ezk.8:12) which "is enmity (hostile) against God." Ro.8:7. Therefore beloved, you are to "let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Phil.2:5), "casting down imaginations, and every high thing (thought) that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." 2Cor.10:5. We must let the Spirit deal with the principalities, the powers, the spiritual wickedness through the pulling down of these "strong holds" in the "high places" of our minds - 2Cor.10:4; Eph.6:12. It is God’s purpose to bring forth the fullness of "the mind of Christ" within us -1Cor.2:16. As we seek Him with all our heart, this He will do, "for the counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations." Psa.33:11; Prv.16:3; Psa.40:5. "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phil.4:7.

All the factors that are input into the soul, determine the choices men make in what is called operation of the will. Basically, the will chooses according to the operation of the "mystery of iniquity" (2Ths.2:7) deep within his being or according to the "mystery of godliness" (1Tim.3:16) also deep within his being. It is here that "deep calleth unto deep" (Psa.42:7) according to the noise or voice of the spirit realms. The will chooses according to these inner influential powers. This is more often than not, a subconscious operation.

Thought itself, is basically a form of energized soul substance that is conceived from deep within. The soul’s manifestations come to the surface in part via the bodies natural agents, namely the brain, the vocal chords and the tongue. Words are motivated, controlled and made manifest in the physical world by the power of our spirit-life that sends it forth. The physical brain is not the source of thought, will, memory, emotion etc. Any part of the physical body without the presence of the spirit-soul of man, is dead. In this condition, the physical brain is void of any active power or ability to think or to operate in any manner whatsoever. When man’s breath leaves him, "he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish." Psa.146:4. Likewise, the physical body without the regenerate Spirit of Christ in it, though it may be alive in this finite realm, this realm beyond the grave biblically speaking, it also is considered in spiritual reality to be in death. -Jas.1:26.

Consider the human voice. It is a most useful tool. It is also an active transmitting agent of the presence of the mind. The voice is a conscious vocal utterance and outward evidence of the soul’s ever changing inner expressions of human thought life. Words express thought and create positive or negative action. Spoken words express things which are actual dominant spiritual realities of the soul. All natural human knowledge is said to be of the soul - Prv.2:10; 19:2; 24:14; Psa.139:14. In a sense, the soul is the spiritual brain in action. It is essentially the image of self, projected from the spirit in the power of its personal life expression. When the Creator Himself spoke, "Let there be light", the omnipresent word coming forth expressed the life and creative nature of God. So it is with us! Our words are most often expressive of our real nature, even when we are intentionally being deceitful and lying. Of course, one can be deceitful and project themselves as something or someone they really are not. This just hides the real inward truth from being seen outwardly.

There is quite a difference in the spirit-soul relationship with the Christian believer as compared to the unbeliever. In likeness to the tabernacle in the wilderness, the spirit of a "born again" man can be likened unto the presence of God in the Holy of Holies, the soul unto the inner court, and the flesh unto the outer court. Only in the presence of the ark with its mercy-seat, can man’s sinful soul be brought into union with God’s holy Spirit in the presence of the sacrificial blood of the Lamb.

The scripture saith, "Thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: In thy light shall we see life." Psa.36:9. Similar to the beginnings of this earthly creation, God divides "the light from the darkness". He begins to release His light of salvation to penetrate the darkness of spirit and soul in the inner most recesses of man’s being. In another biblical metaphor, we see a connection between the heart /spirit and what is called the "reins" - Jer.17:10; 20:12; Psa.7:9; 26:2; 73:21; Rev.2:23. In the Hebrew, "reins" indicate the two kidneys. The Spirit of the Lord searches out and possesses the reins and the heart - Psa. 139:13. And just as the righteous or upright heart which God circumcises is symbolic of the male reproductive organ, so the reins or kidneys are symbolic of something also.

By the Spirit, we understand that God causes the arrows (son seeds, sperma, words) of His quiver, (His spirit covering, His life) to enter into our spiritual reins - Lam.3:13. That seed which produces new born sons of God (in the natural as well as in the spiritual realm) is made manifest within man’s two reins which symbolizes the base source of all reproduction, namely the testes. In the spirit, the sperma, or the seed, or the thoughts are produced here in the "reins". Jesus said, that out of the believers "belly shall flow rivers of living water." Jn.7:38. The kidneys are in the belly. Spiritually speaking, they filter out impurities and produce the pure waters of the living Spirit.

Where is basic source of these spiritual waters? In Christ of course. In "the King’s pool." Neh.2:14. The King of kings is the source and cause of all forms of spiritual life. He is that "fountain opened" which causes "the unclean spirit to pass out of the land" (Zec.13:1,2) of our soul. He first imparts this seed-life into our reins, the testes. In the lower realm, this produces natural or human life. In the spirit, this produces spiritual birth called in the Greek being "born of" or " out of the spirit", "born from above."

Seed thoughts are generated in the reins or testes and pass up through the heart , the spirit, the male life giving organ, into the womb, the soul, even the "loins of the mind" wherein the spirit unites with the soul and thoughts are conceived and can begin to grow. "Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind" (1Ptr.1:13) wherein "righteousness shall be the girdle of (your)his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of (your)his reins." Isa.11:5. Girded in the image of our Lord "whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz." Dan.10:5.

In the initial process of salvation of the soul, the seed thoughts of the Spirit of God are sovereignly united with the soul of man wherein lies his mind, will, emotions and intellect. The natural man on his own volition can receive nothing of the things of God (1Cor.3:14) unless "God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit" 1Cor.2:10. In a glorious supernatural revelation, man is given to begin to understand that God’s holy Spirit dwells within him - Ro.8:9,10. The soul can still be influenced by the powers of sin and iniquity but the new spirit man within is made in righteousness and cannot sin - 1Jn.5:17,18. It becomes a case of …"Nevertheless I live," as well as "yet not I, but Christ liveth in me." Gal.2:20. In the grace of spiritual revelation, we begin to accept and acknowledge this divine union within us.

The spirit of the regenerate man is molded again a vessel containing that which involves spiritual life, yet containing soulish residues of spiritual death. In contrast to this, the spirit-soul of the unregenerate man remains totally in a state of spiritual death, as does his mortal body. Biblically, he is said to be "dead while he liveth." 1Tim.5:6. The physical, as well as the spiritual body of the believer is the tabernacle of God. The whole body is a house wherein dwells His presence in varying degrees of glory and manifestation. Paul said, the outward tabernacle, the earthly body, can be dissolved to reveal a permanent and eternal tabernacle, a spirit man that is to be clothed upon with a new and glorious body of redemption - 2Cor.5:1-4; Ro.8:23.

The state of man’s unregenerate spirit can also be likened to the "Holy of Holies" without the presence of "the ark of the covenant"; the ark being the earthly type of Christ in human flesh, both in His own humanity and now in the earthly body of His newly created church. The tabernacle of course, is also a shadow of all Christian growth and experience as well as being a type of the spiritual body of Christ and of the natural body and its organs. It also typifies time and the ages. Those however are whole other subjects in themselves.

The former old real self, the spirit, is not joined unto God in any true life-bearing regenerate relationship until it is actually "born again", "born of God", (Jn.3:9), "redeemed" (Tit.2:14), "quickened" (Col.2:13; Eph.2:5), "renewed", regenerated" (Tit.3:5) or "saved" (Ac.2:47; 16:41), by an active process of deliverance through an ages of the highest spiritual power, namely the holy Spirit of God. Like unto human natural regeneration, upon union of the "incorruptible seed" with the egg of Christ’s faith, the cells of a new spirit life begin go divide and grow producing a new form of life. When according to God’s will, the holy Spirit becomes manifest to dwell forever in union with ones human spirit (1Cor.6:17) called "the inward man" (2Cor.4:16), it initially births and translates in the darkness of the womb mind, that formerly "dead" spirit-self (Eph.2:1-5), into a new and different kind of spirit life in light. This new and higher life is known as "eternal life." It denotes a quality of life that remains present throughout all ages.

If all of the above be so, is our whole spirit [which includes the soul] then saved? Is it totally saved or delivered unto the uttermost? If so, why does the human spirit yet need to be sanctified? 1Ths.5:23. Why is there need of cleansing ( 2Cor.7:1) in the heavens and in our spirits as typified by the brazen alter, the laver, etc. in the tabernacle? Is it not because the spiritual nature still contains unregenerate soul?

The "old man" (Col.3:9; Eph.4:22) containing the formerly "dead" spirit, including the former godless self-ego, is said to be crucified with Christ (Ro.6:6), put to death in the flesh! It is indeed dead to the penalty of our former sins but not altogether dead to the power of them. "The body of sin" (Ro.6:6), even that mortal body of "the outward man" (2Cor.4:16) which also still contains within, the power of the Adamic sin nature [in the form of the soul], remains in the travail of death - Ro.8:10; 2Cor.4:16. Death continues to operate in our sin influenced soulish life. But. The now essentially righteous nature of the renewed spirit of the "inward man" (Ro.7:22) becomes known as the "new man" (Col.3:10), which after the similitude of Christ, is created anew in true imputed righteousness and holiness - Eph.4:24. In his now righteous spirit, one is said to be "a new creature" (2Cor.5:17) with a new status before God. He becomes one with the last Adam as "a quickening spirit." 1Cor.15:45.

In the Christian, the spirit, soul, body realities can also be typified in the three major feasts of Israel. "Passover" (spirit), "Pentecost" (soul) and "Tabernacles" (body). There is progressive deliverance from different forms of death in all these realms.

Notice the dual operation of the spirit and soul with regard to natural understanding in 1Cor.14:14,15. It must be understood that the soul is not always sinful or evil though it remains subject to the powers in the mystery of iniquity. The soul cannot be considered sinful or evil when it is under the active control of the holy Spirit which is in union with our spirit. See 1Sam.18:1-3. Such is the great mystery of godliness.

As the holy Spirit of God’s personality continues to operate His sovereign will power [even His faith] in the human spirit, searching the heart (Ro.8:27), the remaining soulish part of the spirit if we will, is enabled through the greater power of Christ’s dominion, to be continuously cleansed of that filthiness and ungodliness which manifests outwardly in the flesh of men - 2Cor.7:1. Brethren, God wants "all that is within" us to praise Him - Psa.103:1. The soulish inward thoughts of evil and outward habits of sin are progressively replaced by the living Spirit-thoughts of the mind of Christ (1Cor.2:16; Phil.2:5) if we yield our will according to God’s will for our lives.

The Spirit of the Lord in the form of the living word, divides asunder between man’s soul (self thoughts) and the new born spirit containing the righteous thoughts of the mind of Christ - Heb.4:12. This is usually a painful process if we allow the surgical sword of the Spirit to operate upon our inner spiritual man. As salvation involves progressive processes of sanctification, designed to change us from glory to glory (Ro.13:11); 1Cor.3:11), it could be said…our spirit is saved or delivered (Col.1:13) from the penalty and wages of sin, our soul is being saved and delivered (2Ptr.2:9; Heb.10:39) from the power of death and sin and our whole body is yet to be saved (1Ths.5:23; 2Cor.1:10; Ro.7:24,25) from both the penalty and power of death.

When the fleshly body of a believer, which is still dead because of sin (Ro.8:10) literally dies, it appears that the renewed spirit [spiritual body with its soul] in whatever state of sanctified regenerated union with God it has attained in life, returns unto a comparable state of glory and rewards in eternal life with God who gave it - Eccl.12:7. When a non-believer dies, his spirit and soul remains spiritually dead [out of union with the life of the holy Spirit] in a place of soulish unrest and wrath, apart from any peaceful fellowship with God in Christ. It continues on in the existing spiritual state called death, which like we have said, is merely absence of eternal life from God. This is the unseen realm of hell. He is then considered "twice dead", once spiritually and once physically and is destined to abide for a God determined period both in the state and the processing of the "second death." Jude 12; Rev.20:14.

Salvation must begin before the second death can even begin is work of sanctification and righteous judgment. The second death is designed to bring the fullness of eternal life which swallows up all destructive types of death. The first death, which contains not only the power of physical death but also the bonds of spiritual death, is that enemy which is destined to be totally abolished - 1Cor.15:26-28. God is not in the business of doing away with the personal spirits of His creation. He did not create them in vain. Rather, death, that state of spirit being absent from true eternal life in Christ, is the only thing along with its companion sin, that scripture says will be annihilated, completely irradicated, devoured and swallowed up to become none existent. This destruction of all that is in the first death is progressively accomplished through the corrective judgmental processing’s of the second death, which together with the second man’s (1Cor.15:47) life fills all death with His eternal life.

The Spirit of our God in its purifying process is like unto a lake of fire. It is ludicrous to think that God’s Spirit would consume His own spirit substance of which man is composed…. either to punish him or irradicate him. Yet many believe this will happen. This Spirit of fire which comprises the second death, is in reality the final form of death. But it is as different in form and operation than the number one is from the number two. Ironically, the second death is really a form and cause of death only to the sinful state of man’s soul…to that state of self yet apart from God]. Its effective result is in the appearing of life—that eternal life of God in oneness with man. Before God can come to be "all in all", any and all forms of death that yet remain in the soul of man must be totally consumed in the all consuming fire of God’s Spirit of love - Heb.12:29. That last enemy named "death" is destined to be utterly destroyed -1Cor.15:26-28.

Christ’s efficacious victory through dying to self and finally His death on the cross, is made complete in sovereign application over all powers of death which currently holds man in its deadly grip. Only the results of this total victory being finally realized, could ever result in God being "all in all." God shall quicken all things bringing His life to all men not just some. Of biblical surety, all evil is predestined to be overcome by righteousness!

Once the spirit of man has been created of God and his body formed in the earth through birth, that personal spirit of God substance continues on in existence forever. Its soul expression may constantly change in stature, quality, character and attributes, but neither spirit nor soul will ever cease to exist as some teachings would erroneously lead men to believe - 2Cor.4:18. The spirit changes from a state of death into life and so does the soul but they can never remain subject to an "eternal death". There is no such thing as non ending death, whether in the form of punishment or annihilation. The fact is, the human spirit was created in the image of God who is not only invisible but also eternal. Like unto God Himself, the spirit of man is not able to "die" in the sense of becoming non existent - Heb.9:14.

Surely the soul that sinneth [meaning that person who lives in sin] shall die. The wages of sin are not only spiritual but also include a natural death of the body. But they do not include an irradication of the spirit-soul substance of the real man. Human spirits can continue in the process of deaths realities only until all death is ultimately swallowed up of the life of God. The gift of God in eternal life is being imputed and imparted to all men whereby death is in the process of being swallowed up according to the immutable will and purposes of our Almighty Creator.

When death is destroyed in the spiritual body of man, it not only has been replaced by eternal life but "immortal life" as well. Eternal life in its most truthful sense, is a quality of relationship with Christ and not a duration of time - Jn.17:3; 1Tim.6:19. It is life in the spirit, and life with the Spirit of Christ in the ages whether in a mortal body or apart from one. In contrast to this, the term "immortality" is life of the Spirit in glorified flesh---that is permanent life, the fullness of resurrection life in Christ - 1Cor.15:53,54.

In that life, there are many different glories of resurrection life (1Cor.15:40-42) which are closely connected with service and rewards.

All that has been said points to but one surety. When all death has been done away, that leaves only His life to remain. A new life that is once more in willing union with the likeness of its Creator. "He that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit." 1Cor.6:17.