The 3 Parts of Man. We are spirit, we have a soul, and live in a body. Each have unique characteristics. Our spirit, known as the heart, is “reborn;” not our body or soul.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 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.
The soul refers to the mind, will, and emotions of a human being. After we became “saved,” our bodies didn’t change. Our thoughts and memories didn’t change. Only our spirit-man became brand new.
Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
Romans 8:5-8 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, (set their minds on) the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
Through the soul, we think about the world and have feelings about our experiences and the people in our lives. We make decisions, form memories, and exert our will through our soul. This is the area Satan attacks us because our minds can be deceived.
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
The soul and spirit are united at birth and it is hard to distinguish one from the other. The Word of God is what shows us the difference.
Hebrews 4:12 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.
And what is the heart?
The Hebrew word most often used for the heart is “leb,” the Strong’s #3820 for “inner man; mind, will, heart.” The Greek word most often used for the heart is “kardia,” Strong’s #2588 “the deepest thoughts or feelings (mind).”
Of course, we have a physical heart that pumps blood and keeps us alive. But in the Bible, the heart is seen as the place of emotions and ideals. A place where our conscience resides.
The conscience is “the soul as distinguishing between what is morally good and bad,” (Strong’s #4893) and can be corrupted.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
Because the heart is the place of emotions and “deepest thoughts,” it really is a part of the soul. It is interesting that we have given this meaning to the word “heart,” that it is the place where our central intentions are formed. Jesus said that good and noble thoughts are connected to a good heart, whereas bad motives and intentions are linked to an evil heart. (1 John 3:20; Romans 11:25; Matthew 19:8; Mark 3:5)
Luke 6:45-46 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”
Our sub conscience, often referred to as “a gut feeling” or “still small voice,” is our spirit-man. God does not usually speak to us audibly. He uses our spirit to convey His thoughts to our heart which never contradicts the Word of God.
Our soul is immature even after giving our life to Christ. Our emotions aren’t always trustworthy guides. Sometimes, we react to situations or people with anger, sadness, or feeling defeated. Those are the emotions of our hearts. But, are they appropriate? Perhaps, we are feeling those things because of old wounds or unhealed memories?
While our spirit is renewed at the “New Birth,” our souls carry spiritual dirt from our past lifestyles. This is why we continue to struggle with sin after accepting Christ. Our soul still contains dirt that needs to be removed and washed clean by the renewing of our mind with the Word of God.
Ephesians 5:26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her (the Church) with the washing of water by the Word,
The soul needs healing of Soul Wounds. We have wounds in our thinking and destructive emotional reactions because of our past sins, other people’s sins against us, or because of things passed down in our families.
Proverbs 14:30 A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body; jealousy is like cancer in the bones. (NLT)
We get healing in our mind, will, and emotions by the Word of God (studying and meditating on the Bible) and by the work of the Holy Spirit in us. Prayer and growing trust in God will bring that healing.
